08/27/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 08/27/2024 07:46
Have you ever spent money on a service only to realize it was offered for free? For example, paying to file a student loan application with a non-government site when it is free to file on the official FAFSA website? These types of practices may not be illegal scams, but they can prey on unsuspecting people and cause them to pay unnecessary fees.
One form of this type of practice particularly impacts Veterans and families: websites that charge for access to VA forms or other materials that are readily available free of charge on the VA website.
In addition to charging an unnecessary fee, these forms may also be outdated, requiring Veterans and their families to waste time completing the form again after it is submitted to VA.
To avoid this type of predatory practice, it is important to review websites and resources for accuracy. When searching for VA or other government materials, keep in mind:
Remember: Veterans or their families seeking materials or claim-filing assistance should not be charged as these are provided for free through VA and Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs). To better protect yourself, please review these important and helpful resources: