Scammers often pretend to help, but they’re just following the money. And now that veterans and servicemembers exposed to toxic substances get expanded benefits and health care through the PACT Act, dishonest businesses and scammers are trying to get a cut.

You’ve probably seen the commercials on TV or social media about veterans’ health conditions possibly caused by exposure to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances. The ads offer so-called help to file a claim. The catch? They’ll charge you a fee, or a percentage of the benefits you get.

What they won’t tell you is that you don’t have to pay to apply for any type of veterans’ benefits, or that free assistance is available. So, if you’re a veteran or servicemember who can use PACT Act benefits, here’s how to keep what you’re entitled to:

• Learn more about the role of accredited representatives and recognized Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs).
• Use the VA’s Accreditation Search tool to find free help to file your claim, and to verify the credentials of anyone offering to assist you with a VA claim.
• Submit the application on your own, securely online via the Veterans Benefits Administration of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), or in person at a VA Regional Office. There’s no cost for the forms and no fee to apply. VA will never charge you to apply for its benefits.

If you suspect a scam or run into someone who doesn’t tell you the whole truth about applying for VA benefits, tell the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Found this useful? Please share using #MilConsumer2023.