Chicago, IL – Veterans across Illinois are being urged to stay alert this holiday season as scammers increase efforts to steal personal and financial information through holiday shopping schemes.
According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), bad actors may specifically target Veterans and their families during the holidays, using deceptive tactics designed to appear legitimate. Officials say these scams often intensify during peak shopping weeks when people are making purchases, donating to charities, or responding to promotional offers.
The VA warns that common tactics include impersonation scams—where fraudsters pose as government agencies, banks, or well-known organizations—and fake charity scams that pressure victims into making urgent donations. Scammers may request sensitive information such as Social Security numbers, bank account details, or payment through unconventional methods like gift cards or prepaid debit cards.
Veterans are advised never to share banking or personal information with unfamiliar individuals or organizations. Officials recommend verifying the legitimacy of any charity or business before sending money and being cautious of unsolicited calls, emails, or social media messages that demand immediate action.
Law enforcement agencies, including local police departments across DuPage County and the greater Chicago metro area, echo the VA’s warning, noting that scam reports typically rise statewide during the holiday season. Authorities emphasize that legitimate government agencies and reputable charities will never demand payment through gift cards or threaten immediate consequences.
Veterans and their families who believe they may have encountered fraud are encouraged to report it promptly. Suspected scams can be reported to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, which helps investigators track patterns and prevent further victimization.
For more information on common holiday scams and prevention tips, Veterans can visit the VA’s official website and blog resources. Staying informed and cautious remains the best defense during the busy holiday shopping season.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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