For most Americans, Memorial Day is a time to reflect on the sacrifice of the country's brave servicemen and women, but for some unscrupulous people, it's an opportunity to take advantage of veterans and their families. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is warning military families to be vigilant of everything from disreputable charities to deals that seem too good to be true over the upcoming holiday.
There are a number of common scams, but one of the most frequently seen involves a person posing as a representative from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) saying they need credit card numbers and other personal information for the VA files.
According to the BBB, others target military families who have a loved one serving abroad by selling them unnecessary security systems and other products under the guise of offering them greater protection.
"The unique lifestyle of our service members makes them prime targets for scammers," said Brenda Linnington, director of BBB Military Line. "It's imperative that we educate our service members and ensure that the support we give to them equals the effort they make every day on behalf of us."
The BBB also warned civilians who donate to military charities to be on the lookout. The organization recommends researching where the donated money goes before making a contribution.