Scam Targets Oregon Veterans in Nursing Homes, Assisted Living Facilities

There have been some near misses, but so far there have been no reports of anyone falling victim to the scam in Oregon.

(CORVALLIS, Ore. ) - The U.S. Department of Veterans’ Affairs Regional Office in Portland, the Benton County Board of Commissioners and the Benton County Veterans Service Office urge veterans, their spouses, or their families to beware of unauthorized franchises or individuals offering representation for benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs.

The current scam targeting Veterans’ is being run by Veterans Salute based in Florida.

The company has been contacting nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and adult day-cares looking for veterans who maybe eligible for VA pension benefits.

They try to get the home or facility to pay $800 for their service, which is free at all VA county service offices, or at the ODVA office in Salem for Marion and Polk county veterans.

So far in Oregon, there have been a couple of near misses, but nobody has yet to report falling victim to the scam.

“I am saddened anyone would misrepresent themselves as being able to skirt the federal system and then charge potentially illegal fees to those who need VA benefits. The Benton County Veteran Service Office provides free and timely service for all veterans with their claims,” said Benton County Commissioner Annabelle Jaramillo.

The Portland VA Regional Office recommends anyone who has been contacted by an unauthorized franchise or individual to contact them at (800) 827-1000.

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Nerdletta February 14, 2012 2:01 pm (Pacific time)

Warning... The Center for Elder Veterans Rights is in the practice of doing the very same thing that this article condemns. They tried to get my 91 year old grandmother to sign a Fee Agreement for $700 for a 'pre-filing consultation'. Federal code and VA regulations make it illegal to charge a fee to prepare, present, and prosecute a claim with the VA. It is not illegal for people or agencies to offer information for a fee, but this sort of scam blurs the line between the two and slips a Fee Agreement in with the application process to confuse an already vulnerable population of seniors. And, the Federal code also goes so far as to prohibit an attorney or agent from charging a fee contingent, in whole or in part, upon whether the matter is resolved favorably. So beware if they say the fee will be refunded or payment won't be processed if the claim is denied. Avoid CFEVR or any other agency that pitches increased benefits and then wants you or your loved ones to sign any sort of Fee Agreement without a full understanding of the services they will be providing separate from filling out and submitting the application.

Center for Elder Veterans Rights August 5, 2010 10:44 am (Pacific time)

We are a non-profit organization that helps Veterans and their families with this VA benefit. We have an in-house VA-Accredited Attorney. We would love to help any elder Veteran with obtaining this great benefit. It is truly terrible to hear of people scamming these amazing Veterans and their loved ones.

senior living advocate March 9, 2007 1:22 pm (Pacific time)

For Tom, thank you for the insight, paid or unpaid the VA service officers are a great resource but sadly, probably overwhelmed. If the service is illegal, how come the feds have not shut it down? Maybe it is a new company that they haven't gotten around to them yet. Regardless of the legality, a veteran and or their family should have the right to employ an agent on their behalf. Tom, do you happen to be a VA service officer?

Tom March 9, 2007 12:36 pm (Pacific time)

For the senior living advocate, that's why the article referred families to the county veterans service officer's. They are not VA employees, but work on behalf of the family and the veteran at no cost. Veterans Salute, is run by Horizon Care Coordinators whose top 2 are veterans. They are not trained service officers, not VA recognized, and yes, it's against the law. Thanks for running the article.

Albert Marnell March 9, 2007 11:02 am (Pacific time)

I always tell people how crime thrives in Florida. They get defensive especially if they live or own second homes there. You are grown-ups; enjoy the sun and the skin cancer it produces. If they can get away with stealing an election, why are people so surprised at this. Federal and State anything in Florida is a sick joke. By the way, rats use Palm trees as a means of getting into buildings they touch; so much for the Sunshine State.

senior living advocate March 9, 2007 10:28 am (Pacific time)

As a person that tried to arrange for VA Benefits for a loved one, I wish there was an agent that would help with the process! The VA is like every other federal government bureaucracy, slow and inept. The VA benefit is the most under utilized benefit around and it is time to allow vets to use agents to navigate these waters. This is no different than using an accountant or lawyer when dealing with the IRS, there are even lawyers that specialize in Social Security! Do you know the turn around time for these benefits to approved in some states is up to 12 months, and here is the kicker, you have to be too poor to afford the services that are covered, but you have to be utilizing the services and paying for them before you can apply for the benefit! This is all government slight of hand. I applaud your site and the reporter for looking out for Veterans, someone has to, the VA sure doesn't give a damn!

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