Can you spot debt relief scams that target the military?
Scammers call military members claiming to offer special debt forgiveness programs, then pocket the payment instead of helping with actual debt.
How it works
A caller contacts you by phone and claims to work for a military debt relief program. They promise to eliminate or reduce your debt through a special government or military benefit you didn't know you had. They ask you to pay an upfront fee or make a payment to enroll. The money goes to the scammer, not to your lender or any legitimate program.
Red flags to watch for
- Caller claims special debt forgiveness exists only for military members
- They ask you to pay upfront before any debt relief happens
- Sense of urgency or exclusive limited-time offer
- Caller has little verifiable information about your actual debts
- They discourage you from contacting your lender directly
What to do
Do not pay anyone upfront to reduce or eliminate your debt. Hang up and contact your lender directly using the number on your billing statement or official website. If you need legitimate debt help, contact the Military OneSource financial counseling service (free to all military families) or the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Report the call to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
If this reached you
Source: FTC . Scam Sentinel summarizes official guidance in plain language; it is a decision aid, not a guarantee.