Veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma are often targeted by scammers posing as lawyers, advocates, or government representatives. These criminals exploit the trust of those who served, offering fake legal services, fraudulent VA claims help, or fast compensation that never comes.
Veterans, active-duty service members, and their spouses lost $477 million to scams in 2023, according to the Federal Trade Commission.
Various scams prey on veterans with mesothelioma and their need for financial support, access to benefits, and justice for asbestos exposure.
Many veterans aren’t aware that mesothelioma compensation and VA benefits are available through legitimate, trusted legal and medical resources — not through cold calls, suspicious emails, or unofficial websites.
Understanding how these scams work is the first step in avoiding them and protecting your hard-earned benefits. Find out how to spot common mesothelioma scams targeting veterans and where to turn for real help.
What Is a Mesothelioma Scam?
Mesothelioma scams are fraudulent schemes that take advantage of people who have been diagnosed with this cancer — often targeting veterans who were exposed to asbestos during military service.
Once mesothelioma patients share personal details like Social Security numbers, military records, or medical information, scammers can use that data for identity theft or financial fraud.
These scams usually promise paid access to faster compensation, legal help, or VA benefits but are designed to steal personal information or money instead. Scammers may impersonate law firms, government agencies, or advocacy organizations to gain trust.
Common mesothelioma scams include:
- Law firms offering “guaranteed” settlements or expedited claims
- Fake VA representatives promising higher monthly benefits
- “Compensation specialists” asking for upfront fees
- Phony medical researchers requesting personal health information
These deceptive operations often sound legitimate, using professional-sounding names or claiming to be affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Some even create fake websites that resemble real legal or medical resources.
“Veterans are often targets of fraud, and bad actors are becoming more sophisticated in their attacks. Veterans and their families have sacrificed much for our country and deserve to have their hard-earned benefits protected from fraud.”
— U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
While legitimate mesothelioma law firms and veterans’ advocates do exist, they never pressure patients for money or private information up front. Knowing how to recognize a scam can help veterans protect both their finances and their rights to legitimate compensation.
Get a free case review for help accessing VA benefits and financial compensation with help from Simmons Hanly Conroy, a national asbestos law firm founded by veterans.
Types of Mesothelioma Veteran Scams
U.S. veterans are often targeted because of the benefits they receive, their deep trust in military-connected institutions, and the challenges they face when navigating complex government systems. Scammers use tactics that appear legitimate, especially online and over the phone.
In 2025, new technology and AI-enhanced schemes make it even easier for fraudsters to impersonate credible organizations, steal personal information, and exploit veterans. This includes veterans debt relief scams that falsely promise to reduce or eliminate debt but instead put veterans in deeper financial trouble.
Here are some common types of veterans scams:
- Auto Insurance Scams: Insurance agents may specifically target veterans and active-duty service members, selling policies that are often overpriced or provide coverage veterans do not actually need. In veteran auto insurance scams, agents may claim their products are required to access VA benefits or superior to government options.
- Benefits Buyout Scams: Fraudsters offer veterans a lump sum of cash in exchange for their future VA disability compensation or pension payments. These buyouts are typically a fraction of the actual value and can leave veterans without long-term financial support.
- Charity Scams: Fraudsters often pose as organizations supporting wounded service members, military families, or veterans in need. Veteran charity scams try to pressure quick donations through emotional appeals, fake websites, or misleading fundraising campaigns.
- Charging for Free Services: Some scammers impersonate VA representatives and charge veterans fees for services that they could access for free. Don’t pay out of pocket for VA benefits assistance. At the Mesothelioma Veterans Center, we’re able to help you file or maximize your VA benefits. VA-accredited attorney and retired Major Jonathan Nelson can assist you for free right now.
- False Grant Offers: Scammers create fake government grants or programs specifically targeted at veterans to gain personal information. These veteran debt assistance scams can lead to financial trouble.
- Housing Scams: Scammers solicit veterans with offers to refinance their VA home loans, often with hidden fees or bait-and-switch tactics.
- Investment and Pension Fraud: Pretending to be veterans’ advocates, scammers claim they can help veterans access additional benefits and convince them to invest in fraudulent schemes.
- Overpayment Scams: Scammers send fraudulent communications claiming that veterans owe money due to overpayments of VA benefits, pressuring them to pay immediately.
- Phishing and Impersonation: Fraudsters may impersonate VA employees or other trusted figures to steal personal information or money. They often use official-looking emails, phone calls, or text messages to deceive veterans.
- Romance and Family Impersonation Scams: Scammers build trust with older veterans by posing as family members or romantic interests, then request money or sensitive personal information.
- Veterans Debt Relief Scams: Mesothelioma treatments can lead to financial issues like debt. These scams falsely promise to reduce or eliminate debt but instead put veterans in deeper financial trouble.
Since 2015, the Mesothelioma Veterans Center has offered trusted support to thousands of U.S. veterans and families facing this cancer. Call (877) 450-8973 now for free help accessing VA benefits, reviewing treatment options, and exploring ways to receive compensation after a diagnosis.
How to Avoid Mesothelioma Scams
Veterans with mesothelioma are often targeted by fraudsters as they may be seeking legal assistance, medical support, or VA benefits. However, there are ways to keep you and your family safe. The key to avoiding scams is knowing what to look for and verifying every offer before sharing personal information or money.
Tips to avoid mesothelioma veterans benefits scams include:
- Always be cautious of unsolicited calls or emails promising guaranteed compensation.
- Avoid sharing personal information like Social Security numbers, medical records, or financial details with unsolicited contacts.
- Be skeptical of “guaranteed” settlements or compensation claims.
- Don’t share personal information, website login information, or money.
- Look for independent reviews or client testimonials.
- Never pay upfront fees for legal or VA assistance.
- Report suspicious activity to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or VA fraud prevention offices.
- Take advantage of free case reviews whenever possible.
- Take the time to research any law firm, benefits specialists, or organization before agreeing to their services.
- Verify any attorney or organization through state bar associations or official VA channels.
Doing your due diligence can make the difference between receiving the mesothelioma VA benefits that you deserve rather than falling into a harmful scam.
If you or a loved one may have been a victim of a veterans scam or fraud, the VA recommends calling its hotline at 1-800-827-1000 for immediate help.
The Mesothelioma Veterans Center: Offering Trusted VA Benefits Help
While mesothelioma scams can harm your family, it’s important to know that there are many legitimate organizations ready to assist you after a diagnosis, including the Mesothelioma Veterans Center.
Since 2015, our team has supported thousands of veterans and families affected by this aggressive cancer. We’re ready to help you access or maximize your VA benefits, get treatments, and pursue additional compensation.
We may be able to assist you with:
- VA benefits: Major Jonathan Nelson is VA accredited and can help you file for mesothelioma benefits or increase your disability rating after a diagnosis.
- Health care: We have nurses on staff who can review your treatment options and connect you with mesothelioma specialists. We can also help you access VA health care benefits for mesothelioma, meaning you may be able to receive care for free or at a lower cost.
- Legal options: We have partnered with Simmons Hanly Conroy, a nationally recognized mesothelioma law firm founded by veterans. The firm has secured over $10.3 billion for clients across all 50 states to date.
I want to make sure that veterans like you have the opportunity to get the benefits you need now, and to make sure that your family is provided for in the future.
— Retired Marine Corps Major Jonathan Nelson, VA-accredited attorney
Get a free case review now or call (877) 450-8973 to speak with our team. There is never any upfront cost to work with us.
