{"success":true,"data":{"id":"fake-veterans-benefits-claim-assistance-scam","label":"Fake veterans benefits claim assistance scam — unclaimed VA disability/pension benefits + pay upfront fee / percentage / coaching fee + guarantee approval","description":"Fake veterans benefits claim assistance scam — private companies (often called \"VA claim specialists,\" \"VA-accredited advocates,\" or \"claim coaches\") cold-email veterans offering to file VA disability, pension, or Camp Lejeune compensation claims for a fee, often a percentage of the first year's benefits (20–40%) or a flat upfront fee ($199–$599). They often \"guarantee\" VA approval — which is illegal and impossible. Legitimate assistance from VSOs (Veterans Service Organizations such as DAV, VFW, American Legion, AMVETS) is completely free. The VA itself does not charge to file disability claims. Congress explicitly prohibits charging veterans for claims assistance before a final determination; the only lawful time an attorney can be paid is after winning an appeal. The VA OIG and FTC issue repeated warnings about these fee-charging predatory \"claim coaches\" targeting elderly veterans.","tier":"danger","category":"scam","isThin":false}}