July is Military Consumer Month. Whether someone is a new recruit, a service member PCS’ing (permanent change of stations) with their family, or a soon-to-be veteran, the FTC wants to share some ways to steer clear of rip-offs and scammers.
Individuals preparing to leave the service might be looking at ways to make a living while exploring new career options. Maybe they’ve arrived at a new duty station and their spouse is looking for work. The FTC would like to educate military members and their families about how to avoid job scams and bogus money-making schemes. Here are some things to know to sidestep potential pitfalls.
Scammers advertise jobs and business opportunities online in ads, on job sites, and social media. Search online for the name of the company or the person who’s hiring, plus the words “scam,” “review,” or “complaint.” Individuals may find out they have scammed other people.
Honest employers, including the federal government, will never ask anyone to pay to get a job. Anyone who does is a scammer. Honest employers will also never send anyone a check, and then tell them to send back part of the money. That’s a fake check scam.
Success stories and testimonials might not be true or typical. Glowing stories of success could be fake or misleading, and positive online reviews may have come from made-up profiles.
Take some time to talk to someone about ads for jobs or business opportunity offers, and learn more at ftc.gov/incomescams.
During the month, the FTC will post more consumer know-how. If you spot a scam, protect the military and veteran communities by reporting it. Let the FTC know at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Tune-in to our Friday Law Talk on Facebook Live on Friday, July 22, 2022, at 3 PM, at www.Facebook.com/LoneStarLegalAid.
Lone Star Legal Aid is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit law firm focused on advocacy for low-income and underserved populations. Lone Star Legal Aid serves millions of people at 125% of federal poverty guidelines that reside in 72 counties in the eastern and Gulf Coast regions of Texas, and 4 counties of Southwest Arkansas. Lone Star Legal Aid focuses its resources on maintaining, enhancing, and protecting income and economic stability; preserving housing; improving outcomes for children; establishing and sustaining family safety and stability, health and well‐being; and assisting populations with special vulnerabilities, like those with disabilities, or who are elderly, homeless, or have limited English language skills. To learn more about Lone Star Legal Aid, visit our website at www.lonestarlegal.org.
