Printer Friendly Page

SCAM TARGETS VETERANS IN NURSING HOMES AND

ASSISTED LIVING FACILITIES -- Florida company

charging $800 fee for services that are free.

 

 

Although this story is about Oregon veterans, the Florida company pulling the scam is working nationwide.

Story here... http://www.salem-news.com/
articles/march082007/veteransscam_030807.php

Story below:

---------------

Scam Targets Oregon Veterans in Nursing Homes, Assisted Living Facilities

Kevin Hays Salem-News.com

There have been some near misses, but so far there have been no reports of anyone falling victim to the scam in Oregon.

(CORVALLIS, Ore. ) - The U.S. Department of Veterans’ Affairs Regional Office in Portland, the Benton County Board of Commissioners and the Benton County Veterans Service Office urge veterans, their spouses, or their families to beware of unauthorized franchises or individuals offering representation for benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs.

The current scam targeting Veterans’ is being run by Veterans Salute based in Florida.

The company has been contacting nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and adult day-cares looking for veterans who maybe eligible for VA pension benefits.

They try to get the home or facility to pay $800 for their service, which is free at all VA county service offices, or at the ODVA office in Salem for Marion and Polk county veterans.

So far in Oregon, there have been a couple of near misses, but nobody has yet to report falling victim to the scam.

“I am saddened anyone would misrepresent themselves as being able to skirt the federal system and then charge potentially illegal fees to those who need VA benefits. The Benton County Veteran Service Office provides free and timely service for all veterans with their claims,” said Benton County Commissioner Annabelle Jaramillo.

The Portland VA Regional Office recommends anyone who has been contacted by an unauthorized franchise or individual to contact them at (800) 827-1000.

---------------

Larry Scott  --