Support SB 694: Protecting Veterans from Predatory Companies
California Veterans Are Losing $100 Million Annually to Illegal Scammers
Claim sharks are unaccredited, for-profit companies that illegally charge veterans thousands of dollars for VA disability claim assistance—services that should be completely free.
Stolen from CA Veterans Annually
Veterans Exploited (Last 5 Years)
Average Victim Losses
Of Benefits They Demand
These predatory companies exploit veterans by charging $10,000-$30,000 in illegal fees for services that legitimate, accredited Veterans Service Organizations provide completely free. They often target vulnerable veterans through deceptive Facebook ads, fake testimonials, and high-pressure sales tactics.
From Senator Bob Archuleta - Chair of the Senate Military and Veterans Affairs Committee
As Chair of the Senate Military and Veterans Affairs Committee—and a proud veteran myself—protecting those who've served our country has always been my top priority. Veterans have served their country with dignity and pride. They have earned—and deserve—every benefit their country owes them, including their disability benefits.
Many veterans depend on free, trusted support from their County Veteran Service Offices (CVSOs) or nonprofit Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs). These professionals are accredited by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), trained to assist with claims, and held to strict accountability standards.
But not everyone follows those rules.
Unfortunately, some veterans are misled by false promises of faster processing or increased lump-sum payments from unaccredited agents—often referred to as "claim sharks." These bad actors:
That's why I introduced Senate Bill 694—to stop these predators from targeting our veterans.
⚠️ Critical Update: Despite strong bipartisan support in both the Assembly Military and Veterans Affairs Committee and the Assembly Judiciary Committee, SB 694 now sits in the Assembly Appropriations Committee—where it faces stiff opposition from those who profit off veterans. These unaccredited agents have worked tirelessly to kill this bill so they can continue to take advantage of veterans.
As my office and I work to ensure a pathway forward for the bill, I am calling on you—my fellow brothers and sisters, service men and women—to urge my colleagues to support SB 694. We must remind our lawmakers that taking care of veterans isn't optional. It's a duty.
Please contact your Assembly and Senate representatives and urge them to support SB 694.
FIND YOUR REPRESENTATIVES →
Let's send a clear message:
California will not tolerate the exploitation of those who've worn the uniform.
Thank you, and God bless.
- Senator Bob Archuleta
Chair, Senate Military and Veterans Affairs Committee
Proud Veteran
Charging upfront fees or percentage-based payments (25-50% of benefits) for VA claims help
Promising 100% disability ratings or expedited processing they cannot deliver
Requesting your VA.gov login, banking info, or personal account access
Urgent deadlines, aggressive sales tactics, or immediate contract signing requirements
Claiming to be "VA-approved" or having "insider access" without proper accreditation
Facebook groups, targeted ads, or influencer partnerships promoting paid claim services
This critical legislation will protect California veterans by:
SB 694 is backed by major veteran organizations:
NEVER pay for VA disability claims assistance! These services are provided FREE by accredited representatives who are properly trained and regulated:
Free help in every California county. If you're not satisfied with your county VSO, you can contact any other county's VSO statewide.
Find Your County VSODisabled American Veterans (DAV) • The American Legion • Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) • Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) • AMVETS
All DAV members have been through the disability claims process and are excellent sources of information.
VA-accredited lawyers and claims agents listed through the VA Office of General Counsel (OGC).
Find Accredited RepFree, direct help from the VA
1-800-827-1000
Contact your local:
These organizations have decades of experience helping veterans get the benefits they've earned—at no cost.
Your voice matters! Help us pass SB 694 and stop claim sharks from exploiting veterans.
"I am calling to urge you to VOTE YES on SB 694 to protect California veterans from illegal claim sharks. Veterans deserve free, accredited help—not predatory companies that steal their benefits."
Been scammed by a claim shark? Report it immediately!
Have you been exploited by a VA claim shark? You're not alone—and you're not without support.
If you or a loved one has been harmed by unauthorized, for-profit claims consultants—often called "claim sharks"—you can now report your experience directly to California State Senator Bob Archuleta, the champion behind SB 694: The Veteran Benefits Protection Act.
🚨 Contact Senator Archuleta Directly
Send your story or details privately to @SRGR1985 on X (formerly Twitter). This information will be delivered directly to the Senator—a veteran ally who "has your 6."
Speak Out—Tell Your Story to the California Legislature
Senator Archuleta and the co-sponsors of SB 694 are actively seeking firsthand accounts from veterans affected by claim sharks. Your voice could help:
If you're interested in testifying, submitting a written statement, or speaking with lawmakers, reach out to @SRGR1985 to get connected.
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