The Weld County Veterans Service Office is warning of a scam unlawfully charging veterans and their families to help them apply for Veterans Affairs benefits.
Filing an initial claim with the Department of Veterans Affairs is free, but scammers — known as claims predators — often contact veterans making false promises of extra benefits and expedited processing times in exchange for a percentage of the benefits, according to a Weld County announcement.
“Although we have not been made aware of any individuals being scammed, there are over 17,000 veterans in Weld County currently, and we want to ensure they know what legitimate resources are out there for them,” Weld veterans service officer Tim Marquadt said in the announcement.
In 2024, veterans lost $419 million in benefits through scams and fraud, the Federal Trade Commission estimated, up from the $292 million in losses reported in 2022, according to the release.
The Weld office said veterans should be wary of any individual who:
Charges high fees or requires a portion of Veterans Affairs benefit awards. Charges at all for an initial claim. Promises to accelerate the claims process. Promises to obtain a 100% disability rating. Insists that a contract be signed to exchange assistance for a portion of benefits.The county said there are several accredited ways — including visiting the county’s veterans service office — to get help applying for service-connected disability, non-service-connected pension, burial and survival benefits, and more.
All officers at the Weld Veterans Service Office are veterans who are accredited through the Department of Veterans Affairs. To make an appointment, call 970-400-3444 or email VSO@weld.gov. The office recommends walk-in visitors come on Mondays but welcome them at other times as well. The office’s hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
For more information on the veterans service office, go to weld.gov/go/veteransservice.
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