Scam alert: Use caution when donating to veterans’ and military charities

Press release from Operation Senior Shield

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Many Floridians proudly support veterans, active-duty service members, and military families throughout the year. Unfortunately, scammers sometimes exploit that generosity through fake veteran charities and fraudulent fundraising campaigns, especially online and on social media. These scams may appear emotional, urgent, or patriotic to gain trust quickly and pressure individuals into donating before verifying where the money is actually going.

Some scammers may:

• Pretend to represent veteran or military support organizations
• Use emotional stories or images on social media
• Create fake online fundraising campaigns
• Pressure individuals to donate immediately
• Request payment through gift cards, wire transfers, or payment apps

The goal is often to exploit generosity and collect money or personal information before victims recognize warning signs.

Red Flags

• High-pressure requests for immediate donations
• Social media fundraisers with limited details or verification
• Organizations with names like legitimate charities
• Requests for unusual forms of payment
• Lack of clear information about how donations will be used

Tips to Protect Yourself

• Research charities before donating
• Donate directly through verified organization websites
• Be cautious of emotional social media fundraising appeals
• Avoid donating through gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers
• Take time to verify before giving money or personal information
• Discuss donation requests with trusted family members or loved ones if unsure

How to Report Concerns or Get Help

• Federal Trade Commission Fraud Reporting: ReportFraud.gov
• FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center: ic3.gov
• Charity monitoring resources: CharityNavigator.org and Give.org
• Identity Theft Resource Center: 888-400-5530 or idtheftcenter.org

Reporting suspicious activity may help protect other older adults from financial exploitation and fraud.

Stay Informed

Operation Senior Shield (OSS) provides fraud alerts, scam prevention tips, and consumer protection information to help older adults across Florida recognize warning signs and avoid financial exploitation. Please continue sharing trusted fraud prevention information with friends, family members, caregivers, and loved ones.

Supporting veterans and military families matters, and verifying before donating helps ensure your generosity reaches the people who truly need it. Staying informed through Operation Senior Shield can help you recognize warning signs, avoid scams, and help protect older adults across Florida.