BBB Warns Military Charities Targeted by Memorial Day Scams Nationwide

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is warning military members, veterans, and their supporters to be vigilant against a surge in scams targeting these groups, especially around Memorial Day. Scammers are exploiting military families through fraudulent rental listings, predatory loan offers, and fake Veteran’s Benefit Buyout schemes that undervalue veterans’ entitlements. Additionally, patriotic emotions are being manipulated by fraudsters posing as veterans’ charities, using similar names and high-pressure tactics to solicit donations. The BBB advises verifying charities through trusted resources like Give.org, avoiding urgent donation requests, and donating directly via official websites to ensure funds reach legitimate organizations. Military members are also encouraged to inspect rental properties in person and alert credit bureaus when deployed to protect against identity theft. With veterans reporting over $419 million in fraud losses in 2024, experts stress the importance of thorough research and caution to safeguard personal information and finances.