Hey there, veteran superstar! So, you’ve received a letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) claiming you owe money due to some overpayment of your benefits? Yikes! But before you launch into a panic or start practicing your sad puppy eyes for a loan from Aunt Myrtle, let’s break down what you should do.

First things first—deep breath! Now, let’s get you to the truth by logging into your VA.gov account. This is where you’ll find the real scoop on whether you owe money and how much. And if you do owe, don’t fret! The VA actually offers repayment help for free. Yes, you read that right—FREE!

But here’s the kicker: Scammers are lurking around every corner, ready to pounce like they’re in a bad action movie. They’ll try to convince you to pay them instead, often claiming to be from the VA themselves. These sneaky folks might even use official-sounding names, seals, and logos to pull you into their trap.

So, how do you avoid these shady characters and manage any VA debt for overpayments like a pro? Follow these golden rules:

  1. Stick to the Official Channels: Only deal with VA debt issues through VA.gov. Check your status, set up a repayment plan, or request a waiver there. If someone tries to redirect you to a different site or gives you another phone number to call, kick them to the curb!

  2. Guard Your Login Like It’s the Last Piece of Pizza: Never share your VA login credentials. The VA won’t ask for your password, but you can bet a scammer will. Keep your accounts secure with strong passwords and multi-factor authentication (because two factors are better than one!).

  3. Beware the Upfront Fee Trap: If you need help filing claims or requesting decision reviews, find a VA-accredited representative. They’ll assist you for—you guessed it—free! If someone insists on payment before they help, they’re a scam artist in disguise.

And if you’re still concerned about VA benefits scams, you can learn more and report any fishy behavior at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

Remember, knowledge is power, and in this case, it’s also protection against scammers who think they’re cleverer than a fox in a henhouse. Stay sharp and keep those benefits safe!

For more detailed information, be sure to check out the original article: Original Article URL

Original article: https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/07/veterans-and-caregivers-recognize-va-benefits-overpayment-scams