EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Claims sharks are predatory companies that illegally charge veterans exorbitant fees for VA disability benefits assistance that should be free. These unaccredited firms exploit our nation's heroes, charging thousands of dollars for services readily available at no cost through legitimate channels.
Key Findings:
- Veterans charged up to $20,000 for services that are free
- 1 in 6 veterans contacted by potential scammers
- Multi-year payment plans exceeding $10,000 for no actual services
- Fraudulent claims putting veterans at risk of VA sanctions
#1
CASE #1: THE $20,000 EXPLOITATION
Victim: Anonymous Veteran
Harm: Charged $20,000 by claims shark for help increasing disability rating from 0% to 100%
Source: Arizona Capitol Times Investigation (February 2025)
This represents the most severe financial exploitation documented, where a veteran paid the equivalent of a new car for services that should have been completely free.
#2
CASE #2: THE VIETNAM VETERAN HARASSMENT
Victim: Vietnam Veteran from Logan County
Harm: Harassed and pressured into signing a 5-year payment plan worth $10,300 for "absolutely nothing"
Source: Senate Testimony reported by Yahoo News (March 2025)
This case demonstrates the aggressive tactics used against elderly veterans, exploiting their service and vulnerabilities.
#3
CASE #3: THE MULTIPLICATION SCAM
Victim: Multiple Veterans in Georgia
Harm: Charged fees as high as five times monthly benefit increases (e.g., $10,000 for $2,000 monthly increase)
Source: WSBTV Atlanta Investigation (March 2024)
Veterans were told they'd receive significant benefit increases but ended up paying more in fees than they'd receive in additional benefits.
#4
CASE #4: THE UPFRONT PAYMENT TRAP
Victim: Yolanda Beavers (Navy Veteran)
Harm: Required to pay $2,500 upfront plus 20% of all future VA benefits
Source: WSBTV Atlanta Investigation (March 2024)
This percentage-based model creates a lifetime financial burden, taking money from veterans' disability payments indefinitely.
#5
CASE #5: THE FRAUDULENT EXAMINATIONS
Victim: Multiple Veterans Guardian Clients
Harm: Subjected to fraudulent claims with forged disability examinations; company faced multiple lawsuits
Source: Arizona Capitol Times Investigation (February 2025)
Whistleblowers reported that this company forged disability examinations, putting veterans at risk of federal fraud charges.
#6
CASE #6: THE MASS TARGETING
Victim: One in Six Veterans Nationwide
Harm: Contacted by impostors claiming to be from the VA, offering PACT Act benefit assistance
Source: CBS News Pittsburgh (November 2023)
Following the PACT Act expansion in 2022, predatory companies launched massive marketing campaigns targeting vulnerable veterans.
#7
CASE #7: THE SANCTIONS RISK
Victim: Clients of Unaccredited Firms
Harm: Face potential VA sanctions and fines due to fraudulent claims filed without proper disclosure
Source: Arizona Capitol Times Investigation (February 2025)
Veterans unknowingly became complicit in fraud when companies filed claims without disclosing their involvement to the VA.