PROTECT YOURSELF FROM SCAMS

Learn how to identify military and veteran charity scams and protect yourself from fraud.

Important Information

OPERATION WARRIORFIT DOES NOT

If someone claiming to represent OWF does any of the following, it is likely a scam.

Conduct door-to-door solicitation

Sell magazines or use cold-call telemarketing

Run sweepstakes, lotteries, or prize giveaways

Accept cash donations from street fundraisers

Advertise jobs on Craigslist or unofficial job boards

Use crowdfunding platforms for official fundraising

Send unsolicited checks or request wire transfers

Ask for gift cards as a form of payment or donation

Request your Social Security number or bank account info via email or phone

Stay Informed

COMMON SCAM TYPES

Scammers often target veterans, service members, and those who want to support them. Here are common fraud schemes to watch for.

Check Fraud

Scammers send overpayment checks claiming to represent OWF or other veteran organizations. The checks appear legitimate but bounce after victims deposit them, leaving them responsible for the full amount.

Employment Scams

Fraudsters post fake job listings offering opportunities with veteran nonprofits. Victims may receive bogus checks and be asked to wire funds for "training" or "equipment," resulting in financial loss.

Gift Card Schemes

Individuals pose as nonprofit employees, soliciting cash donations in exchange for gift cards or providing fake receipts for tax purposes.

Imposter Fraud

Scammers falsely claim to be OWF staff members or board members to solicit support, obtain personal information, or fraudulently obtain assistance from financial institutions.

Sweepstakes & Phone Scams

Callers claim victims won prizes from contests they never entered, requesting bank information or expecting fraudulent check deposits. Caller ID can be spoofed to appear legitimate.

Phishing Emails

Fake emails that appear to be from OWF or other veteran organizations asking for personal information, login credentials, or donations through unofficial channels.

RED FLAGS & PROTECTION TIPS

Red Flags to Watch For

Pressure to act immediately or "today only" offers
Requests for payment via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency
Unsolicited contact about prizes, inheritance, or grants you didn't apply for
Requests for personal information like SSN, bank accounts, or passwords
Poor grammar, spelling errors, or unprofessional communication
Email addresses that don't match the official organization domain
Refusal to provide written information or official documentation
Claims that seem too good to be true

How to Protect Yourself

Verify any communication by contacting OWF directly through our official website
Never send money or gift cards to someone you haven't met in person
Research charities before donating at give.org or charitynavigator.org
Don't click links in unsolicited emails - go directly to the official website
Trust your instincts - if something feels wrong, it probably is
Report suspicious activity to the FTC and local authorities