{"id":4929,"date":"2026-09-01T18:30:00","date_gmt":"2026-09-01T18:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thirstier.news\/investigate-before-you-invest\/"},"modified":"2026-09-01T18:30:00","modified_gmt":"2026-09-01T18:30:00","slug":"investigate-before-you-invest","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/itsveterans.com\/?p=4929","title":{"rendered":"Investigate before you invest"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-6 fusion-flex-container nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling\" style=\"--awb-border-radius-top-left:0px;--awb-border-radius-top-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-left:0px;--awb-padding-top:64px;--awb-padding-top-medium:32px;--awb-padding-top-small:18px;--awb-flex-wrap:wrap\">\n<div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start fusion-flex-content-wrap\" style=\"max-width:1456px;margin-left: calc(-4% \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-4% \/ 2 )\">\n<article class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-7 fusion-flex-column\" style=\"--awb-padding-top:1rem;--awb-padding-right:1rem;--awb-padding-bottom:1rem;--awb-padding-left:1rem;--awb-padding-right-medium:4%;--awb-padding-left-medium:4%;--awb-padding-right-small:4%;--awb-padding-left-small:4%;--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-width-large:56%;--awb-margin-top-large:0px;--awb-spacing-right-large:3.4285714285714%;--awb-margin-bottom-large:20px;--awb-spacing-left-large:3.4285714285714%;--awb-width-medium:100%;--awb-order-medium:1;--awb-spacing-right-medium:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-medium:1.92%;--awb-width-small:100%;--awb-order-small:1;--awb-spacing-right-small:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-small:1.92%\">\n<div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-column-has-shadow fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\">\n<div class=\"fusion-content-tb fusion-content-tb-1 prose\" style=\"--awb-font-size:1.125rem;--awb-line-height:1.5;--awb-text-font-family:var(--awb-typography4-font-family);--awb-text-font-weight:var(--awb-typography4-font-weight);--awb-text-font-style:var(--awb-typography4-font-style)\">\n<p>Veterans are increasingly becoming prime targets for investment scams. Scammers often exploit the trust, camaraderie and sense of service that defines the Veteran community, using convincing tactics to lure Veterans into costly traps. It\u00e2\u0080\u0099s essential to recognize the warning signs of investment scams and to stay alert to protect your financial future.<\/p>\n<p>There are many <a href=\"https:\/\/consumer.ftc.gov\/articles\/investment-scams\" rel=\"noopener\">investment scams<\/a> aimed at defrauding Veterans, including but not limited to:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.finra.org\/investors\/military\/money\/affinity-fraud\" rel=\"noopener\">Affinity fraud<\/a>: Fraudsters win your trust by claiming they\u00e2\u0080\u0099re part of a group you identify with (for example, a military Veteran). They may claim their investment opportunity will help you gain access to special military or VA benefits or promise to \u00e2\u0080\u009cunlock\u00e2\u0080\u009d extra funds just for Veterans.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/consumer.ftc.gov\/articles\/what-know-about-cryptocurrency-scams\" rel=\"noopener\">Cryptocurrency investment scams<\/a>: Fraudsters promise big profits through investments in cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, but often steal your money or identity instead.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cftc.gov\/LearnAndProtect\/metalsfrauds\" rel=\"noopener\">Precious metal fraud<\/a>: Scammers convince people to buy precious metals like gold or silver, often at inflated prices or metals that don\u00e2\u0080\u0099t actually exist.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/consumer.ftc.gov\/articles\/multi-level-marketing-businesses-and-pyramid-schemes\" rel=\"noopener\">Pyramid schemes<\/a>: A fraud scheme where you pay to join a business and must recruit others to earn money, rather than selling real products or investments.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fhfa.gov\/programs\/fraud-prevention\" rel=\"noopener\">Real estate investment scams<\/a>: Fraudsters pitch fake or misleading real estate deals to get your money, often involving property that doesn\u00e2\u0080\u0099t exist or isn\u00e2\u0080\u0099t for sale.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/consumer.ftc.gov\/articles\/when-business-offer-or-coaching-program-scam\" rel=\"noopener\">Training investment scams<\/a>: Scams that sell expensive \u00e2\u0080\u009ctraining\u00e2\u0080\u009d or seminars, promising they\u00e2\u0080\u0099ll teach you how to get rich investing, but deliver little or no real value.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Warning signs of an investment scam:<\/h2>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Unsolicited contact via email, social media or text message.<\/li>\n<li>High-pressure sales pitch.<\/li>\n<li>Claims you can only participate in the investment because of Veteran status.<\/li>\n<li>Vague or complicated strategies.<\/li>\n<li>Claims of low-to-no risk investments.<\/li>\n<li>Promises of unreasonably high profits.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Investigate before you invest<\/h2>\n<p>VA is dedicated to helping defeat scammers by equipping Veterans with tools to quickly identify fraud tactics. Below are a few ways to help protect yourself from potential investment fraud:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Watch out for unsolicited offers: Be extra cautious if someone contacts you out of the blue by phone, text, email or social media, especially if they claim to be a fellow Veteran. Be cautious of invitations to \u00e2\u0080\u009cVeteran-only\u00e2\u0080\u009d investment events or seminars, particularly those advertised on social media.<\/li>\n<li>Ask for everything in writing: Always ask for written information about the investment. Review it carefully, and don\u00e2\u0080\u0099t be afraid to ask more questions.<\/li>\n<li>Be wary of \u00e2\u0080\u009ctoo good to be true\u00e2\u0080\u009d offers: If someone promises high returns with little or no risk, it\u00e2\u0080\u0099s likely a scam. Real investments involve some risk.<\/li>\n<li>Consult a trusted source: Talk to a <a href=\"https:\/\/veteransbenefitsbanking.org\/financial-counseling\/\" rel=\"noopener\">financial advisor<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mirecc.va.gov\/visn19\/finvet\/\" rel=\"noopener\">a trusted VA representative<\/a> or someone else you trust before investing your money. If you use an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.investor.gov\/additional-resources\/information\/veterans\" rel=\"noopener\">investment professional<\/a>, be sure to do a background check on investor.gov to ensure the person is licensed and registered.<\/li>\n<li>Keep your information private: Legitimate organizations or investment companies will not ask for your VA.gov login information, DD214 or other sensitive documents for investment purposes. Don\u00e2\u0080\u0099t share your military records, Social Security number, or financial details unless you know that the person or organization asking for it is legitimate and that their need for that information is valid.<\/li>\n<li>Take your time: Don\u00e2\u0080\u0099t let anyone rush you into making a financial decision. Legitimate offers will give you time to think and ask questions.<\/li>\n<li>Verify before you invest: Make sure the company and person offering the investment are registered and licensed. You can check with your state regulator or the <a href=\"https:\/\/adviserinfo.sec.gov\/\" rel=\"noopener\">U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Don\u00e2\u0080\u0099t fall for these scams!<\/h2>\n<p>Staying vigilant and recognizing the warning signs is the best way to keep your personal information safe. For more information on how to protect yourself, visit the <a href=\"https:\/\/news.va.gov\/137340\/national-identity-theft-prevention-awareness-month-protecting-veterans-and-their-families\/\">VA News<\/a> webpage and <a href=\"https:\/\/benefits.va.gov\/BENEFITS\/fraud-prevention.asp\" rel=\"noopener\">VA\u00e2\u0080\u0099s fraud prevention page<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">If something seems wrong:<\/h2>\n<p>Contact VA: If you miss a VA benefits payment,\u00c2\u00a0identify\u00c2\u00a0a discrepancy in payments or find suspicious activity with your direct deposit account, contact VA\u00c2\u00a0immediately\u00c2\u00a0at 1-800-827-1000.<\/p>\n<p>Contact VSAFE: If you suspect you have experienced fraud, you can find out more and report to the appropriate agency at VSAFE.gov or by calling 833-38V-SAFE (833-388-7233).<\/p>\n<p>Your information and your benefits are valuable. Let\u00e2\u0080\u0099s work together to outsmart scammers and keep your hard-earned benefits secure.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"fusion-separator fusion-full-width-sep\" style=\"align-self: center;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;margin-top:16px;margin-bottom:16px;width:100%\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"fusion-separator fusion-full-width-sep\" style=\"align-self: center;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;margin-top:16px;margin-bottom:16px;width:100%\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-builder-row-inner fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start fusion-flex-content-wrap\" style=\"--awb-flex-grow:0;--awb-flex-grow-medium:0;--awb-flex-grow-small:0;--awb-flex-shrink:0;--awb-flex-shrink-medium:0;--awb-flex-shrink-small:0;width:104% !important;max-width:104% !important;margin-left: calc(-4% \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-4% \/ 2 )\">\n<div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column_inner fusion-builder-nested-column-4 fusion_builder_column_inner_1_1 1_1 fusion-flex-column\" style=\"--awb-padding-top:64px;--awb-padding-bottom:32px;--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-width-large:100%;--awb-margin-top-large:0px;--awb-spacing-right-large:1.92%;--awb-margin-bottom-large:0px;--awb-spacing-left-large:1.92%;--awb-width-medium:100%;--awb-order-medium:0;--awb-spacing-right-medium:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-medium:1.92%;--awb-width-small:100%;--awb-order-small:0;--awb-spacing-right-small:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-small:1.92%\">\n<div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-column-has-shadow fusion-flex-justify-content-center fusion-content-layout-column\">\n<div class=\"fusion-title title fusion-title-3 fusion-sep-none fusion-title-center fusion-title-text fusion-title-size-two\" style=\"--awb-margin-bottom:.5rem;--awb-margin-top-small:0px;--awb-margin-right-small:0px;--awb-margin-bottom-small:20px;--awb-margin-left-small:0px;--awb-font-size:1.3rem\">\n<h2 class=\"fusion-title-heading title-heading-center\" style=\"font-family:var(--awb-custom_typography_1-font-family);font-weight:var(--awb-custom_typography_1-font-weight);font-style:var(--awb-custom_typography_1-font-style);margin:0;font-size:1em\">Topics in this story<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"fusion-title title fusion-title-4 fusion-sep-none fusion-title-center fusion-title-text fusion-title-size-paragraph post-tags\" style=\"--awb-margin-top-small:0px;--awb-margin-right-small:0px;--awb-margin-bottom-small:20px;--awb-margin-left-small:0px;--awb-font-size:1rem\">\n<p class=\"fusion-title-heading title-heading-center title-heading-tag\" style=\"font-family:var(--awb-custom_typography_11-font-family);font-weight:var(--awb-custom_typography_11-font-weight);font-style:var(--awb-custom_typography_11-font-style);margin:0;font-size:1em\"><a href=\"https:\/\/news.va.gov\/tag\/fraud\/\" title=\"Fraud\">Fraud<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/news.va.gov\/tag\/scammers\/\" title=\"scammers\">scammers<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/news.va.gov\/tag\/scams\/\" title=\"Scams\">Scams<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-7 fusion-flex-container nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling\" style=\"--awb-border-radius-top-left:0px;--awb-border-radius-top-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-left:0px;--awb-padding-top:2rem;--awb-padding-bottom:2rem;--awb-margin-top:1rem;--awb-margin-bottom:1rem;--awb-flex-wrap:wrap\">\n<div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-stretch fusion-flex-justify-content-center fusion-flex-content-wrap\" style=\"max-width:1456px;margin-left: calc(-4% \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-4% \/ 2 )\">\n<div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-9 fusion_builder_column_1_2 1_2 fusion-flex-column\" style=\"--awb-padding-top:1rem;--awb-padding-right:1rem;--awb-padding-bottom:1rem;--awb-padding-left:1rem;--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-width-large:50%;--awb-margin-top-large:0px;--awb-spacing-right-large:3.84%;--awb-margin-bottom-large:20px;--awb-spacing-left-large:3.84%;--awb-width-medium:50%;--awb-order-medium:0;--awb-spacing-right-medium:3.84%;--awb-spacing-left-medium:3.84%;--awb-width-small:100%;--awb-order-small:0;--awb-margin-top-small:32px;--awb-spacing-right-small:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-small:1.92%\">\n<div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-column-has-shadow fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\">\n<div class=\"fusion-title title fusion-title-6 fusion-sep-none fusion-title-text fusion-title-size-two\" style=\"--awb-margin-bottom:0px;--awb-margin-top-small:0px;--awb-margin-right-small:0px;--awb-margin-bottom-small:0px;--awb-margin-left-small:0px;--awb-font-size:var(--awb-custom_typography_1-font-size)\">\n<h2 class=\"fusion-title-heading title-heading-left\" style=\"font-family:var(--awb-custom_typography_1-font-family);font-weight:var(--awb-custom_typography_1-font-weight);font-style:var(--awb-custom_typography_1-font-style);margin:0;letter-spacing:var(--awb-custom_typography_1-letter-spacing);text-transform:var(--awb-custom_typography_1-text-transform);font-size:1em;line-height:var(--awb-custom_typography_1-line-height)\">Link Disclaimer<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"fusion-separator\" style=\"align-self: flex-start;margin-right:auto;margin-top:1rem;margin-bottom:1rem;width:100%;max-width:125px\">\n<div class=\"fusion-separator-border sep-single sep-solid\" style=\"--awb-height:20px;--awb-amount:20px;--awb-sep-color:var(--awb-custom13);border-color:var(--awb-custom13);border-top-width:3px\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-8 fusion-text-no-margin measure-5\" style=\"--awb-font-size:1rem;--awb-margin-top:0px;--awb-margin-right:0px;--awb-margin-bottom:0px;--awb-margin-left:0px\">\n<p>This page includes links to other websites outside our control and jurisdiction. VA is not responsible for the privacy practices or the content of non-VA Web sites. We encourage you to review the privacy policy or terms and conditions of those sites to fully understand what information is collected and how it is used.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-10 fusion_builder_column_1_2 1_2 fusion-flex-column\" style=\"--awb-padding-top:1rem;--awb-padding-right:1rem;--awb-padding-bottom:1rem;--awb-padding-left:1rem;--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-width-large:50%;--awb-margin-top-large:0px;--awb-spacing-right-large:3.84%;--awb-margin-bottom-large:20px;--awb-spacing-left-large:3.84%;--awb-width-medium:50%;--awb-order-medium:0;--awb-spacing-right-medium:3.84%;--awb-spacing-left-medium:3.84%;--awb-width-small:100%;--awb-order-small:0;--awb-margin-top-small:32px;--awb-spacing-right-small:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-small:1.92%\">\n<div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-column-has-shadow fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\">\n<div class=\"fusion-title title fusion-title-7 fusion-sep-none fusion-title-text fusion-title-size-two\" style=\"--awb-margin-bottom:0px;--awb-margin-top-small:0px;--awb-margin-right-small:0px;--awb-margin-bottom-small:0px;--awb-margin-left-small:0px;--awb-font-size:1.5rem\">\n<h2 class=\"fusion-title-heading title-heading-left\" style=\"font-family:var(--awb-custom_typography_1-font-family);font-weight:var(--awb-custom_typography_1-font-weight);font-style:var(--awb-custom_typography_1-font-style);margin:0;font-size:1em\">Statement of Endorsement<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"fusion-separator\" style=\"align-self: flex-start;margin-right:auto;margin-top:1rem;margin-bottom:1rem;width:100%;max-width:125px\">\n<div class=\"fusion-separator-border sep-single sep-solid\" style=\"--awb-height:20px;--awb-amount:20px;--awb-sep-color:var(--awb-custom13);border-color:var(--awb-custom13);border-top-width:3px\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-9 fusion-text-no-margin measure-5\" style=\"--awb-font-size:1rem;--awb-margin-top:0px;--awb-margin-right:0px;--awb-margin-bottom:0px;--awb-margin-left:0px\">\n<p>Reference herein to any specific commercial products, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, does not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the United States Government, and shall not be used for advertising or product endorsement purposes.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-8 fusion-flex-container nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling\" style=\"--awb-border-radius-top-left:0px;--awb-border-radius-top-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-left:0px;--awb-flex-wrap:wrap\">\n<div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start fusion-flex-justify-content-center fusion-flex-content-wrap\" style=\"max-width:1456px;margin-left: calc(-4% \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-4% \/ 2 )\">\n<div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-11 fusion_builder_column_4_5 4_5 fusion-flex-column\" style=\"--awb-padding-top:4rem;--awb-padding-right:4rem;--awb-padding-bottom:4rem;--awb-padding-left:4rem;--awb-padding-top-small:1rem;--awb-padding-right-small:1rem;--awb-padding-bottom-small:1rem;--awb-padding-left-small:1rem;--awb-overflow:hidden;--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-border-color:var(--awb-color3);--awb-border-style:solid;--awb-border-radius:.5rem .5rem .5rem .5rem;--awb-width-large:80%;--awb-margin-top-large:0px;--awb-spacing-right-large:2.4%;--awb-margin-bottom-large:20px;--awb-spacing-left-large:2.4%;--awb-width-medium:100%;--awb-order-medium:0;--awb-spacing-right-medium:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-medium:1.92%;--awb-width-small:100%;--awb-order-small:0;--awb-spacing-right-small:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-small:1.92%\">\n<div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-column-has-shadow fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\">\n<div class=\"fusion-title title fusion-title-8 fusion-sep-none fusion-title-center fusion-title-text fusion-title-size-two\" style=\"--awb-margin-top-small:0px;--awb-margin-right-small:0px;--awb-margin-bottom-small:20px;--awb-margin-left-small:0px;--awb-font-size:1.6rem\">\n<h2 class=\"fusion-title-heading title-heading-center\" style=\"margin:0;font-size:1em\"><i class=\"fa-sharp fa-regular fa-comments fa-fw icon-left\"><\/i>Leave a comment<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-builder-row-inner fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start fusion-flex-justify-content-center fusion-flex-content-wrap\" style=\"--awb-flex-grow:0;--awb-flex-grow-medium:0;--awb-flex-grow-small:0;--awb-flex-shrink:0;--awb-flex-shrink-medium:0;--awb-flex-shrink-small:0;width:104% !important;max-width:104% !important;margin-left: calc(-4% \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-4% \/ 2 )\">\n<div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column_inner fusion-builder-nested-column-5 fusion_builder_column_inner_2_3 2_3 fusion-flex-column\" style=\"--awb-padding-top:1rem;--awb-padding-right:1rem;--awb-padding-bottom:1rem;--awb-padding-left:1rem;--awb-bg-color:var(--blue-5v);--awb-bg-color-hover:var(--blue-5v);--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-width-large:66.666666666667%;--awb-margin-top-large:0px;--awb-spacing-right-large:2.88%;--awb-margin-bottom-large:20px;--awb-spacing-left-large:2.88%;--awb-width-medium:100%;--awb-order-medium:0;--awb-spacing-right-medium:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-medium:1.92%;--awb-width-small:100%;--awb-order-small:0;--awb-spacing-right-small:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-small:1.92%\">\n<div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-column-has-shadow fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\">\n<div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-10\" style=\"--awb-font-size:1rem\">\n<p>The comments section is for opinions and feedback on this particular article; this is not a customer support channel. If you are looking for assistance, please visit <a href=\"https:\/\/ask.va.gov\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Ask VA<\/a> or call 1-800-698-2411. Please, never put personally identifiable information (<abbr title=\"social security account number\">SSAN<\/abbr>, address, phone number, etc.) or protected health information into the form \u00e2\u0080\u0094 it will be deleted for your protection.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"fusion-comments-tb fusion-comments-tb-1 fusion-order-comment-form avatar-hide\" style=\"--awb-border-size:1px;--awb-padding:40px\">\n<div id=\"respond\" class=\"comment-respond\">\n<div class=\"fusion-title fusion-title-size-two\">\n<h2 id=\"reply-title\" class=\"comment-reply-title\">Leave A Comment <small><a rel=\"nofollow\" id=\"cancel-comment-reply-link\" href=\"https:\/\/news.va.gov\/149070\/investigate-before-you-invest\/#respond\" style=\"display:none\">Cancel reply<\/a><\/small><\/h2>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<p><!-- #respond -->\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-9 fusion-flex-container nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling\" style=\"--awb-border-radius-top-left:0px;--awb-border-radius-top-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-left:0px;--awb-padding-top:32px;--awb-padding-bottom:60px;--awb-margin-bottom:-50PX;--awb-flex-wrap:wrap\">\n<div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start fusion-flex-content-wrap\" style=\"max-width:1456px;margin-left: calc(-4% \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-4% \/ 2 )\">\n<div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-12 fusion_builder_column_1_1 1_1 fusion-flex-column\" style=\"--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-width-large:100%;--awb-margin-top-large:0px;--awb-spacing-right-large:1.92%;--awb-margin-bottom-large:32px;--awb-spacing-left-large:1.92%;--awb-width-medium:100%;--awb-order-medium:0;--awb-spacing-right-medium:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-medium:1.92%;--awb-width-small:100%;--awb-order-small:0;--awb-spacing-right-small:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-small:1.92%\">\n<div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-column-has-shadow fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\">\n<div class=\"fusion-title title fusion-title-9 fusion-sep-none fusion-title-text fusion-title-size-three\" style=\"--awb-text-color:var(--awb-custom13);--awb-margin-bottom:0px;--awb-margin-top-small:0px;--awb-margin-right-small:0px;--awb-margin-bottom-small:20px;--awb-margin-left-small:0px;--awb-font-size:var(--awb-typography2-font-size)\">\n<h3 class=\"fusion-title-heading title-heading-left\" style=\"font-family:var(--awb-custom_typography_1-font-family);font-weight:var(--awb-custom_typography_1-font-weight);font-style:var(--awb-custom_typography_1-font-style);margin:0;text-transform:uppercase;font-size:1em\">More Stories<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"fusion-separator\" style=\"align-self: flex-start;margin-right:auto;width:100%;max-width:100px\">\n<div class=\"fusion-separator-border sep-single sep-solid\" style=\"--awb-height:20px;--awb-amount:20px;--awb-sep-color:var(--awb-color8);border-color:var(--awb-color8);border-top-width:2px\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-13 fusion_builder_column_1_1 1_1 fusion-flex-column\" style=\"--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-width-large:100%;--awb-margin-top-large:0px;--awb-spacing-right-large:1.92%;--awb-margin-bottom-large:20px;--awb-spacing-left-large:1.92%;--awb-width-medium:100%;--awb-order-medium:0;--awb-spacing-right-medium:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-medium:1.92%;--awb-width-small:100%;--awb-order-small:0;--awb-spacing-right-small:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-small:1.92%\">\n<div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-column-has-shadow fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\">\n<div class=\"fusion-post-cards fusion-post-cards-1 fusion-grid-archive fusion-grid-columns-3\" style=\"--awb-column-spacing:32px;--awb-columns:3;--awb-row-spacing:32px\" data-post-type-label=\"posts\">\n<ul class=\"fusion-grid fusion-grid-3 fusion-flex-align-items-stretch fusion-grid-posts-cards\">\n<li class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-14 fusion-flex-column fader-card post-card fusion-grid-column fusion-post-cards-grid-column\" style=\"--awb-bg-color:var(--awb-color1);--awb-bg-color-hover:var(--awb-color1);--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-border-color:var(--awb-color3);--awb-border-top:1px;--awb-border-right:1px;--awb-border-bottom:1px;--awb-border-left:1px;--awb-flex-grow:0;--awb-flex-shrink:0;--awb-flex-grow-medium:;--awb-flex-shrink-medium:;--awb-flex-grow-small:;--awb-flex-shrink-small:\">\n<div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\">\n<div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-builder-row-inner fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start fusion-flex-content-wrap\" style=\"--awb-flex-grow:0;--awb-flex-grow-medium:0;--awb-flex-grow-small:0;--awb-flex-shrink:0;--awb-flex-shrink-medium:0;--awb-flex-shrink-small:0;width:104% !important;max-width:104% !important;margin-left: calc(-4% \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-4% \/ 2 )\">\n<div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column_inner fusion-builder-nested-column-6 fusion_builder_column_inner_1_1 1_1 fusion-flex-column\" style=\"--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-border-color:var(--awb-color2);--awb-border-bottom:1px;--awb-border-style:solid;--awb-width-large:100%;--awb-margin-top-large:0px;--awb-spacing-right-large:1.92%;--awb-margin-bottom-large:0px;--awb-spacing-left-large:1.92%;--awb-width-medium:100%;--awb-order-medium:0;--awb-spacing-right-medium:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-medium:1.92%;--awb-width-small:100%;--awb-order-small:0;--awb-spacing-right-small:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-small:1.92%\">\n<div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-column-has-shadow fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\">\n<div class=\"fusion-image-element\" style=\"--awb-aspect-ratio:16 \/ 9;--awb-caption-title-font-family:var(--h2_typography-font-family);--awb-caption-title-font-weight:var(--h2_typography-font-weight);--awb-caption-title-font-style:var(--h2_typography-font-style);--awb-caption-title-size:var(--h2_typography-font-size);--awb-caption-title-transform:var(--h2_typography-text-transform);--awb-caption-title-line-height:var(--h2_typography-line-height);--awb-caption-title-letter-spacing:var(--h2_typography-letter-spacing)\"><span class=\" fusion-imageframe imageframe-none imageframe-2 hover-type-none has-aspect-ratio\"><a class=\"fusion-no-lightbox\" href=\"https:\/\/news.va.gov\/148980\/plan-future-know-before-you-go-workbook\/\" target=\"_self\"><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-builder-row-inner fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start fusion-flex-content-wrap\" style=\"--awb-flex-grow:0;--awb-flex-grow-medium:0;--awb-flex-grow-small:0;--awb-flex-shrink:0;--awb-flex-shrink-medium:0;--awb-flex-shrink-small:0;width:104% !important;max-width:104% !important;margin-left: calc(-4% \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-4% \/ 2 )\">\n<div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column_inner fusion-builder-nested-column-7 fusion_builder_column_inner_1_1 1_1 fusion-flex-column\" style=\"--awb-padding-top:2rem;--awb-padding-right:2rem;--awb-padding-bottom:3px;--awb-padding-left:2rem;--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-border-color:var(--awb-color3);--awb-border-style:solid;--awb-width-large:100%;--awb-margin-top-large:0px;--awb-spacing-right-large:1.92%;--awb-margin-bottom-large:0px;--awb-spacing-left-large:1.92%;--awb-width-medium:100%;--awb-order-medium:0;--awb-spacing-right-medium:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-medium:1.92%;--awb-width-small:100%;--awb-order-small:0;--awb-spacing-right-small:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-small:1.92%\">\n<div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-column-has-shadow fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\">\n<div class=\"fusion-title title fusion-title-10 fusion-sep-none fusion-title-text fusion-title-size-two\" style=\"--awb-margin-top-small:0px;--awb-margin-right-small:0px;--awb-margin-bottom-small:1em;--awb-margin-left-small:0px;--awb-link-color:var(--awb-color8);--awb-link-hover-color:var(--awb-color4);--awb-font-size:clamp(1.2rem, 0.429vw + 1.114rem, 1.5rem)\">\n<h2 class=\"fusion-title-heading title-heading-left awb-responsive-type__disable\" style=\"font-family:var(--awb-typography1-font-family);font-weight:var(--awb-typography1-font-weight);font-style:var(--awb-typography1-font-style);margin:0;font-size:1em\"><a href=\"https:\/\/news.va.gov\/148980\/plan-future-know-before-you-go-workbook\/\" class=\"awb-custom-text-color awb-custom-text-hover-color\" target=\"_self\">Plan your future with VA\u00e2\u0080\u0099s Know Before You Go Workbook<\/a><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-11\" style=\"--awb-font-size:clamp(1rem, 0.286vw + 0.943rem, 1.1rem);--awb-text-font-family:var(--awb-typography4-font-family);--awb-text-font-weight:var(--awb-typography4-font-weight);--awb-text-font-style:var(--awb-typography4-font-style)\">\n<p>The Know Before You Go Workbook empowers transitioning service members and their families to make timely, informed decisions about VA benefits and services.\u00c2\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-15 fusion-flex-column fader-card post-card fusion-grid-column fusion-post-cards-grid-column\" style=\"--awb-bg-color:var(--awb-color1);--awb-bg-color-hover:var(--awb-color1);--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-border-color:var(--awb-color3);--awb-border-top:1px;--awb-border-right:1px;--awb-border-bottom:1px;--awb-border-left:1px;--awb-flex-grow:0;--awb-flex-shrink:0;--awb-flex-grow-medium:;--awb-flex-shrink-medium:;--awb-flex-grow-small:;--awb-flex-shrink-small:\">\n<div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\">\n<div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-builder-row-inner fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start fusion-flex-content-wrap\" style=\"--awb-flex-grow:0;--awb-flex-grow-medium:0;--awb-flex-grow-small:0;--awb-flex-shrink:0;--awb-flex-shrink-medium:0;--awb-flex-shrink-small:0;width:104% !important;max-width:104% !important;margin-left: calc(-4% \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-4% \/ 2 )\">\n<div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column_inner fusion-builder-nested-column-8 fusion_builder_column_inner_1_1 1_1 fusion-flex-column\" style=\"--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-border-color:var(--awb-color2);--awb-border-bottom:1px;--awb-border-style:solid;--awb-width-large:100%;--awb-margin-top-large:0px;--awb-spacing-right-large:1.92%;--awb-margin-bottom-large:0px;--awb-spacing-left-large:1.92%;--awb-width-medium:100%;--awb-order-medium:0;--awb-spacing-right-medium:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-medium:1.92%;--awb-width-small:100%;--awb-order-small:0;--awb-spacing-right-small:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-small:1.92%\">\n<div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-column-has-shadow fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\">\n<div class=\"fusion-image-element\" style=\"--awb-aspect-ratio:16 \/ 9;--awb-caption-title-font-family:var(--h2_typography-font-family);--awb-caption-title-font-weight:var(--h2_typography-font-weight);--awb-caption-title-font-style:var(--h2_typography-font-style);--awb-caption-title-size:var(--h2_typography-font-size);--awb-caption-title-transform:var(--h2_typography-text-transform);--awb-caption-title-line-height:var(--h2_typography-line-height);--awb-caption-title-letter-spacing:var(--h2_typography-letter-spacing)\"><span class=\" fusion-imageframe imageframe-none imageframe-3 hover-type-none has-aspect-ratio\"><a class=\"fusion-no-lightbox\" href=\"https:\/\/news.va.gov\/148965\/claims-process-veterans-1973-nprc-records-fire\/\" target=\"_self\"><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-builder-row-inner fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start fusion-flex-content-wrap\" style=\"--awb-flex-grow:0;--awb-flex-grow-medium:0;--awb-flex-grow-small:0;--awb-flex-shrink:0;--awb-flex-shrink-medium:0;--awb-flex-shrink-small:0;width:104% !important;max-width:104% !important;margin-left: calc(-4% \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-4% \/ 2 )\">\n<div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column_inner fusion-builder-nested-column-9 fusion_builder_column_inner_1_1 1_1 fusion-flex-column\" style=\"--awb-padding-top:2rem;--awb-padding-right:2rem;--awb-padding-bottom:3px;--awb-padding-left:2rem;--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-border-color:var(--awb-color3);--awb-border-style:solid;--awb-width-large:100%;--awb-margin-top-large:0px;--awb-spacing-right-large:1.92%;--awb-margin-bottom-large:0px;--awb-spacing-left-large:1.92%;--awb-width-medium:100%;--awb-order-medium:0;--awb-spacing-right-medium:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-medium:1.92%;--awb-width-small:100%;--awb-order-small:0;--awb-spacing-right-small:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-small:1.92%\">\n<div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-column-has-shadow fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\">\n<div class=\"fusion-title title fusion-title-11 fusion-sep-none fusion-title-text fusion-title-size-two\" style=\"--awb-margin-top-small:0px;--awb-margin-right-small:0px;--awb-margin-bottom-small:1em;--awb-margin-left-small:0px;--awb-link-color:var(--awb-color8);--awb-link-hover-color:var(--awb-color4);--awb-font-size:clamp(1.2rem, 0.429vw + 1.114rem, 1.5rem)\">\n<h2 class=\"fusion-title-heading title-heading-left awb-responsive-type__disable\" style=\"font-family:var(--awb-typography1-font-family);font-weight:var(--awb-typography1-font-weight);font-style:var(--awb-typography1-font-style);margin:0;font-size:1em\"><a href=\"https:\/\/news.va.gov\/148965\/claims-process-veterans-1973-nprc-records-fire\/\" class=\"awb-custom-text-color awb-custom-text-hover-color\" target=\"_self\">Claims process streamlined for Veterans affected by 1973 NPRC records fire<\/a><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-12\" style=\"--awb-font-size:clamp(1rem, 0.286vw + 0.943rem, 1.1rem);--awb-text-font-family:var(--awb-typography4-font-family);--awb-text-font-weight:var(--awb-typography4-font-weight);--awb-text-font-style:var(--awb-typography4-font-style)\">\n<p>VA is making the claims process easier for Veterans whose records were damaged or destroyed in the 1973 fire at the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-16 fusion-flex-column fader-card post-card fusion-grid-column fusion-post-cards-grid-column\" style=\"--awb-bg-color:var(--awb-color1);--awb-bg-color-hover:var(--awb-color1);--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-border-color:var(--awb-color3);--awb-border-top:1px;--awb-border-right:1px;--awb-border-bottom:1px;--awb-border-left:1px;--awb-flex-grow:0;--awb-flex-shrink:0;--awb-flex-grow-medium:;--awb-flex-shrink-medium:;--awb-flex-grow-small:;--awb-flex-shrink-small:\">\n<div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\">\n<div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-builder-row-inner fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start fusion-flex-content-wrap\" style=\"--awb-flex-grow:0;--awb-flex-grow-medium:0;--awb-flex-grow-small:0;--awb-flex-shrink:0;--awb-flex-shrink-medium:0;--awb-flex-shrink-small:0;width:104% !important;max-width:104% !important;margin-left: calc(-4% \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-4% \/ 2 )\">\n<div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column_inner fusion-builder-nested-column-10 fusion_builder_column_inner_1_1 1_1 fusion-flex-column\" style=\"--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-border-color:var(--awb-color2);--awb-border-bottom:1px;--awb-border-style:solid;--awb-width-large:100%;--awb-margin-top-large:0px;--awb-spacing-right-large:1.92%;--awb-margin-bottom-large:0px;--awb-spacing-left-large:1.92%;--awb-width-medium:100%;--awb-order-medium:0;--awb-spacing-right-medium:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-medium:1.92%;--awb-width-small:100%;--awb-order-small:0;--awb-spacing-right-small:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-small:1.92%\">\n<div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-column-has-shadow fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\">\n<div class=\"fusion-image-element\" style=\"--awb-aspect-ratio:16 \/ 9;--awb-caption-title-font-family:var(--h2_typography-font-family);--awb-caption-title-font-weight:var(--h2_typography-font-weight);--awb-caption-title-font-style:var(--h2_typography-font-style);--awb-caption-title-size:var(--h2_typography-font-size);--awb-caption-title-transform:var(--h2_typography-text-transform);--awb-caption-title-line-height:var(--h2_typography-line-height);--awb-caption-title-letter-spacing:var(--h2_typography-letter-spacing)\"><span class=\" fusion-imageframe imageframe-none imageframe-4 hover-type-none has-aspect-ratio\"><a class=\"fusion-no-lightbox\" href=\"https:\/\/news.va.gov\/148947\/reservists-guardsmen-va-benefits-online-course\/\" target=\"_self\"><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-builder-row-inner fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start fusion-flex-content-wrap\" style=\"--awb-flex-grow:0;--awb-flex-grow-medium:0;--awb-flex-grow-small:0;--awb-flex-shrink:0;--awb-flex-shrink-medium:0;--awb-flex-shrink-small:0;width:104% !important;max-width:104% !important;margin-left: calc(-4% \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-4% \/ 2 )\">\n<div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column_inner fusion-builder-nested-column-11 fusion_builder_column_inner_1_1 1_1 fusion-flex-column\" style=\"--awb-padding-top:2rem;--awb-padding-right:2rem;--awb-padding-bottom:3px;--awb-padding-left:2rem;--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-border-color:var(--awb-color3);--awb-border-style:solid;--awb-width-large:100%;--awb-margin-top-large:0px;--awb-spacing-right-large:1.92%;--awb-margin-bottom-large:0px;--awb-spacing-left-large:1.92%;--awb-width-medium:100%;--awb-order-medium:0;--awb-spacing-right-medium:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-medium:1.92%;--awb-width-small:100%;--awb-order-small:0;--awb-spacing-right-small:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-small:1.92%\">\n<div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-column-has-shadow fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\">\n<div class=\"fusion-title title fusion-title-12 fusion-sep-none fusion-title-text fusion-title-size-two\" style=\"--awb-margin-top-small:0px;--awb-margin-right-small:0px;--awb-margin-bottom-small:1em;--awb-margin-left-small:0px;--awb-link-color:var(--awb-color8);--awb-link-hover-color:var(--awb-color4);--awb-font-size:clamp(1.2rem, 0.429vw + 1.114rem, 1.5rem)\">\n<h2 class=\"fusion-title-heading title-heading-left awb-responsive-type__disable\" style=\"font-family:var(--awb-typography1-font-family);font-weight:var(--awb-typography1-font-weight);font-style:var(--awb-typography1-font-style);margin:0;font-size:1em\"><a href=\"https:\/\/news.va.gov\/148947\/reservists-guardsmen-va-benefits-online-course\/\" class=\"awb-custom-text-color awb-custom-text-hover-color\" target=\"_self\">Reservists, Guardsmen, learn about your VA benefits from online course<\/a><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-13\" style=\"--awb-font-size:clamp(1rem, 0.286vw + 0.943rem, 1.1rem);--awb-text-font-family:var(--awb-typography4-font-family);--awb-text-font-weight:var(--awb-typography4-font-weight);--awb-text-font-style:var(--awb-typography4-font-style)\">\n<p>If you&#8217;re a reservist or Guard member wanting to know more about VA benefits, the RNG MLC online course module provides the tools to succeed.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<hr>\n<p class=\"tni-attribution\">Source: <a href=\"https:\/\/news.va.gov\/149070\/investigate-before-you-invest\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">Benefits \u00e2\u0080\u0093 VA News<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Recognize the warning signs of investment scams and stay alert to protect your financial future.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":28,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[32,31],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4929","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-fraud-scams","category-money-consumer-protection"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Investigate before you invest - Its Veterans<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Recognize the warning signs of investment scams and stay alert to protect your financial future.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/itsveterans.com\/?p=4929\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" 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