Service members and their families deal with a variety of challenges, and scammers don't mind figuratively throwing a grenade into the mix. Crooks are eager for a battle with military families—a battle over their wallets. These lazy criminals are up to the same old schemes, only now they contain a military twist.

These lazy criminals are up to the same old schemes, only now they contain a military twist.

While bad actors can strike at any time, they favor what they think are soft targets. So when they believe they've found one, they unleash their nasty attacks. But sometimes they underestimate who they're dealing with.

(17 minutes after the phone call began)

Military Spouse: And you're calling from where?

Scammer: (sigh) I'm calling from the Defense Finance and Accounting Service.

Military Spouse: Oh, is that right?

Scammer: Yeah. Now, like I said before, I'm not sure if you're aware, but we've had some computer issues. Your spouse's information was lost. I need to get their Social Security number and date of birth from you so it can be reentered into our system. I know you don't want to miss a paycheck.

Military Spouse: Oh, is that right?

Scammer: Yes. Just give me the rest of their Social Security number so we can move on to the date of birth. So far I have the first number of the social. What is the next number?

Military Spouse: And you're calling from where?

Scammer: DFAS, the Defense Finance and Accounting Service—the place that processes military service members' paychecks.

Military Spouse: Oh, is that right? Are you calling to thank me for my service?

Scammer: Oh, forget it. (hangs up)

DFAS Phishing Scams

This wise military spouse was familiar with DFAS phishing scams, so they had a little fun with this grifter impersonating a government employee. Unfortunately, a family friend had fallen for a similar scam several months before. That version of the DFAS phishing scam involved emails and text-message links that the service member was instructed to click on to enter their information. While they didn't enter their private data, clicking the link downloaded malware onto their computer, which then stole passwords and other confidential data stored on the device.

Protect Yourself from Military Scams

Keep your financial and personal information safe by ending communications with people claiming to be from a government agency or military group who:

• Claim they are the only person who can help you
• Pressure you to act immediately or face dire consequences
• Only communicate via social media, email, or text message
• Call out of the blue, requesting account numbers, passwords, or personal financial data
• Discourage you from calling them back at the number on an official government website

You can also stay up-to-date on the latest fraud schemes when you subscribe to Consumer Alerts from the Federal Trade Commission.

What If I Suspect a Military Scam?

If you suspect a military scam or have already shared private information with someone you suspect or know to be a scammer, report the incident via the DFAS Complaint Hotline at 1-800-330-8720. You can also report the activity to local law enforcement officials and the Federal Trade Commission. It could help protect other military members and their families.