Published Jul 9, 2026, 5:00 AM EDT
Military-connected consumers reported more than 99,000 fraud complaints in recent years to the FTC.
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Published Jul 9, 2026, 5:00 AM EDT
It's been happening to thousands of service members and veterans across the country. Scammers contact victims promising to solve the debt problems of those who serve our country, tricking them into paying to have their debts canceled or reduced by their current lenders. It is being warned as part of a new national warning issued by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), noting how scammers often behind the scheme have led to a rising number of complaints filed this year that are similar in nature to past claims. One such scheme involves a caller offering to help a service member or veteran enroll in a special “military debt forgiveness” program that in reality is fake. According to the FTC, military members are increasingly becoming targets, losing thousands of dollars and being taken advantage of while serving. The commission says military-connected consumers reported more than 99,000 fraud complaints in recent years, resulting in more than $584 million in losses. The AARP Fraud Watch Network said roughly 9 in 10, or 93%, of military members and veterans are targeted by scams each year. "Military service members sacrifice a lot to protect our country," FTC Commissioner Mark Meador said in a video statement posted on the FTC's website. "But all too often, scammers try to steal their hard-earned savings."
