June 2018  l Volume XXVIII 

Top Riskiest Scam for the Military: Employment Scams


  

Employment scams are the top riskiest scams for the military, according to the 2017 BBB Scam Tracker Annual Risk Report. Victims of employment scams are led to believe they are applying or have just been hired for a promising new career while they have, in fact, given personal information or money to scammers for "training" or "equipment." In some cases, victims may be overpaid with a fake check and asked to wire back the difference.

To avoid falling prey to these scams, BBB provides a few tips:
  • If you or your spouse are looking for at-home work opportunities, search for the company and opportunity online.
  • Verify the company's contact information. If they aren't willing to provide a phone number and address you can verify is real, it may be a scam.
  • A reputable employer will give you the equipment you need: they won't give you a check to deposit and subsequently wire elsewhere in order to purchase your needed supplies.
If you can remember these TEN THINGS, you can avoid most scams and help protect yourself and your family: https://www.bbb.org/scamtips/
FINANCIAL TIPS

Understanding the Service Members Civil Relief Act Can Save You Money
By Military Saves

Military life comes with its share of change--deployments and permanent change of station (PCS) moves to name just a couple. And these changes may, at times, make it difficult to honor financial and legal commitments that were made prior to joining the military.

The Service Members Civil Relief Act (SCRA) provides "protections for service members in the event that legal or financial transactions adversely affect their rights during military or uniformed service," according to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. The SCRA provides protections for service members that could save them money and financial stress.

 


Blended Retirement System--The Essentials
By Military One Source

Under the military's Blended Retirement System, about 85 percent of all active-duty and reserve service members will receive a a retirement benefit, even if they don't qualify for full retirement. Your future self will thank you if you begin saving even modestly today for your tomorrow. Recent changes make it easier to save for your future.

BBB SPOTLIGHT



Happy Father's Day!

The BBB Institute would like to wish all Military Fathers a very 
Happy Father's Day. Thank you for your many years of service!



Happy Birthday!

The BBB Institute would like to wish the  U.S. Army a very Happy 243rd Birthday. Thank you for your many years of service!

MILITARY FRAUD  &  SCAMS

New Online Scams Target Soldiers, Army Warns
By ArmyTimes.com

Cyber criminals usually pose as service members looking for love--and money--from unsuspecting victims, but Army Criminal Investigation Command is also warning soldiers of sales and advance-fee schemes.

In the sales schemes, victims are offered goods, usually high-priced ones, below market value. These scams often involve vehicles, house rentals or other costly purchases. The scammer pretends they have to deploy soon, which is why they need to quickly sell the item, CID said in a release.

Military Travelers Warned of Travel Card Scam
By Military.com

The Defense Finance Accounting Service (DFAS) is warning Defense Travel System users of a new phishing scam targeting government travelers.

The finance center says that scammers are sending an official-looking email notifying some members that they weren't paid correctly for their last TDY, and that the person should click on a link to update their information.

Scammers Target September 11th Victim Compensation Fund
By Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

Consumers are reporting a new imposter scam--this time the callers are pretending to be with the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF). According to reports, the callers are telling people they may be entitled to money, and they are asking people for their personal information to determine if they are eligible. It's a scam.

REPORT A SCAM

RESOURCES

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