Yep, Brad has once again fallen off his rocker and the “gone fishing” sign is permanently affixed to his office door. I promise to pull this together and relate it to Veterans and benefits. First, phishing is a type of attack that uses fraudulent emails, text messages, phone calls, or websites to trick people into sharing sensitive information (or even sharing your hard-earned money). If it looks or sounds too good to be true, then give it the smell test… if fishy, then run away.
A Claim Shark is an individual or company that charges hefty fees to “assist” or “consult” Veterans with filing their VA benefit claims – this practice is illegal. Claim Sharks are not VA accredited, meaning they aren’t required to adhere to the well-established professional and ethical standards of VA accreditation, so their advice can often be misleading or even fraudulent. Like a “Loan Shark,” once you’re in, you can’t get out, and may be subject to new and hidden fees whenever you get a new rating, no matter who does the work.
While there are legislative discussions at the federal and state level about stopping predatory actions towards Veterans, we do have a statute that provides some protection. Here is some of it:
Minnesota Statute 197.6091 Veterans Benefits Services; Disclosure Requirements
§ Subd. 2.Advertising disclosure requirements.
A person advertising veterans benefits appeal services must conspicuously disclose in the advertisement, in similar type size or voice-over, that veterans benefits appeal services are also offered at no cost by county veterans service officers under sections 197.603 and 197.604.
§ Subd. 3.Veterans benefits services disclosure requirements.
A person who provides veterans benefits services in exchange for compensation shall provide a written disclosure statement to each client or prospective client. Before a person enters into an agreement to provide veterans benefits services or accepts money or any other thing of value for the provision of veterans benefits services, the person must obtain the signature of the client on a written disclosure statement containing an attestation by the client that the client has read and understands the written disclosure statement.
§ Subd. 4.Violations; penalties.
A person who fails to comply with this section is subject to a civil penalty not to exceed $1,000 for each violation.
Regardless of the regulations, laws, or rules, your personal protection starts with you. Be overly cautious and ask questions. Seek alternative options that do not require payment like your VA-accredited County Veterans Service Officer.
Brad Anderson and Melissa Crandall are the Lake County Veterans Service Officers and can be reached at 218.834.8326 or cvso@co.lake.mn.us
Karen Christianson is the Cook County Veterans Service Officer and can be reached at 218.387.3639, or karen.christianson@co.cook.mn.us
