Federal Trade Commission offers tips for spotting scams that target military members

From the Federal Trade Commission:

Scammers promise to solve your debt problems to trick you into paying them instead of your actual lender. If a caller offers to help you enroll in a special “military debt forgiveness” program, pause. That’s probably a scam. Learn how debt relief scammers might target the military and how to avoid the scam.

Scammy debt relief companies call out of the blue and use official-sounding names and phrases to suggest ties to the military. They might claim to be from a military bank or credit union, like USAA or Navy Federal, or a credit bureau like Equifax, Experian, or Transunion. But if the caller offers to help you reduce or settle your debt — after you pay a fee — that’s a sure sign of a scam. It’s illegal for a debt relief company to charge you before they help you. Some companies offer to enroll you in “exclusive” military debt relief or veteran debt forgiveness programs, but those programs might not even exist. If you pay upfront, you might lose your money and get nothing in return.

Some scammers pressure you to pay them instead of your real creditors. But missing payments on your real debt can lower your credit score and mess up things like your security clearance. You could end up using your hard-earned savings to pay down the increased debt plus late fees and penalties.

Need help managing debt? Start by contacting your lender directly. Ask about your repayment options. To avoid a debt relief scam:

• Never pay upfront for debt relief. Only scammers try to collect fees from you before they settle any of your debts
• Get real help. If you’re on active duty, look for an on-base personal financial manager or counselor. If you’re a veteran, find help through the VA
• Do some research. Check out any organizations you’re considering with your state attorney

If you spot a debt relief scam, tell the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.