The Dare County Veterans Advisory Council is urging local veterans and their family members to be on alert for a new postcard scam that has been circulating within the community in recent weeks.

The fraudulent postcard claims to be part of a “2025 Veteran Giveback Program” or “Veteran Savings Program,” falsely suggesting that veterans and their spouses may be eligible for up to an extra $110 added to their monthly Social Security checks. It also promises free dental coverage and instructs recipients to call a phone number within five days to “help manage call volume.”

Officials emphasize that this message is not legitimate. There is no such program offering these benefits. The postcard is designed to deceive recipients into calling a fraudulent phone number where scammers attempt to collect personal or financial information.

According to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), these types of scams often target veterans by using patriotic language, references to real programs such as CHAMPVA and TRICARE For Life, and official-sounding language to appear credible. Once victims call the number, scammers may request sensitive details such as Social Security numbers, VA claim numbers or bank account information.

The Dare County Veterans Advisory Council reminds residents to never share personal or financial information with anyone who contacts them unexpectedly—whether it’s by phone, email, text or mail. Remember: Government agencies and legitimate veterans’ organizations will never ask for these types of details in unsolicited communications.

Veterans who receive suspicious mail or believe they may have been targeted by this scam or a similar one should report it immediately to:

• Dare County Veterans Services Office: 252-475-5604
• VA Office of Inspector General Hotline: 1-800-488-8244
• Federal Trade Commission (FTC): reportfraud.ftc.gov