VET SCAMS: As a nation, we dedicated Nov. 11 to show appreciation to service men and women who put themselves in danger to protect our country.

Unfortunately, as Pennsylvania Attorney General Bruce Beemer reminds us, there are people out there who take advantage of veterans for personal gain. Beemer shared a few tips to help them avoid three types of scams.

Pension Poaching

“There are dishonest financial planners and advisors who target veterans and their families, offering assistance with filing paperwork or claiming they can help veterans qualify for Veterans Administration (VA) benefits,” according to information from Beemer’s office.

• Don’t pay for a service that is free. There is no cost for forms or to apply for veterans benefits, and you can get free assistance from trained veterans service officers across Pennsylvania.

• Check the VA’s accreditation of a person or group.

• Ask an advisor what the impact of purchasing his product will be on your eligibility for other benefits such as Medicaid.

• Take time to consider your options before signing a contract.

• Don’t be pressured into accepting an advisor’s advice. If an advisor pressures you, or offers vague or evasive answers to your questions, take those as indicators you should not trust them with your money or paperwork.

• Get everything you’ve discussed in writing.

• Don’t believe a promise or guarantee offered by an advisor claiming they can secure A&A benefits. There are no guarantees.

Merchandise Sales

“Dishonest businesses target the military community through advertising, discounted merchandise and services and financing.”

• Conduct comparison shopping of costs of both merchandise and financing.

• Get referrals and recommendations from friends, family members and online sources.

• Contact the Better Business Bureau to see whether the business is accredited and whether there are any complaints against the company.

• Read any financing materials very closely and ask questions.

Questionable charities

“Disreputable charities capitalize on the selfless and generous nature of the military community by soliciting them for donations geared to benefit specific groups of veterans.”

• Ask for and read literature about a charity before you make a donation.

• Find out how much of your donation goes to helping people and program services, as opposed to fundraising and administrative expenses.

• Do not feel pressured to contribute on the spot.

• If you decide to contribute, pay by check. Make the check out to the charity, not to a company or the individual collecting the donations.