Why Defending Our Seniors from Cyber Scams Is a Patriotic Duty

As Americans, we honor those who have defended our freedoms: service members, veterans, and their families. But today, a new threat targets both our seniors and our military community: online scammers who extract billions from those who once stood guard for all of us.

A Veteran Scammed Every 6 Minutes

In 2024 alone, Americans over 60 lost $4.9 billion to online scams, according to the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center. But this is not just a civilian problem.

According to the Federal Trade Commission, service members, veterans, and their families reported nearly 100,000 fraud cases last year, accounting for $584 million in losses. That is one veteran scammed every six minutes—a silent national crisis.

Cybercriminals know no boundaries; they target military families and elders with equal ruthlessness. From military bases to veteran retirement communities across the nation, no community is immune.

The New Battlefield: AI-Driven Deception

Cybercriminals are not just sending spam emails. They are deploying artificial intelligence, deepfake technology, and voice cloning tools to target Americans.

Even seasoned professionals fall victim. William H. Webster, former Director of both the FBI and CIA, was personally targeted by a scammer impersonating law enforcement. If it can happen to him, it can happen to anyone—whether you wore the uniform or you are now caring for those who did.

Top Fraud Threats Targeting Seniors

  • Romance scams: $389 million stolen from older Americans, often preying on loneliness
  • Tech support scams: Nearly $1 billion lost to fake virus alerts and technical “emergencies”
  • Investment scams: $1.8 billion drained, often starting with friendly contact and ending in devastating loss

Scams Specifically Targeting Military and Veteran Families

  • Fake DFAS calls about pay or retirement issues
  • Phony TRICARE benefit “updates” requiring immediate action
  • Veterans charity impersonations stealing donations meant for legitimate causes
  • VA imposter calls threatening benefit suspension

A Patriotic Response: Standing Guard at Home

We allocate budgets to secure professional networks, and we train personnel to spot threats. But at home, our families—especially our elders—often face these attacks alone, with no digital shield in place. It is time to extend the protective culture of the military to families and communities.

Just 15 minutes of family conversation can make all the difference.

Your Cyber Check-In: 4 Questions to Ask

  1. Ask about urgency: “Have you gotten any calls saying your benefits are in danger, your bank account is compromised, or that you have won something?”
  2. Discuss new tactics: Explain that scammers now use AI to fake voices and videos. If someone claims to be a relative or official in trouble, verify independently.
  3. Spot red flags: No government agency, bank, or the VA will ever demand payment via gift cards or cryptocurrency.
  4. Share the golden rule: If you have doubts, talk to someone you trust—another family member, your installation legal office, or a fellow veteran—before sending money or personal information.

A National Duty

This is not just about individual protection. It is about preserving the foundations veterans and seniors helped build. When they are defrauded, it destabilizes families, erodes trust in vital institutions, and adds stress to public systems.

The good news: help is available. The VA fraud prevention resources and Fraud Protection Kit (PDF) offer guidance to help military families recognize, report, and prevent scams.

Take Action Today

Let us make a pledge of vigilance. Together, we can stop cybercriminals from stealing seniors dignity, safety, or financial freedom.

If you or someone you know has been targeted:

  • VA VSAFE Fraud Hotline: 1-833-38V-SAFE (1-833-387-7233)
  • National Elder Fraud Hotline: (833) 372-8311
  • FBI IC3: ic3.gov
  • FTC: reportfraud.ftc.gov

Read More: Latest Senior Fraud Alerts and Cases

Statistics source: FBI IC3 2024 Elder Fraud Report, FTC Military Consumer Protection