This is bad news for veterans and military families, who the Better Business Bureau says lose more money to scams than the general public.

• Veterans, active-duty members, and military spouses lose about 14% more to scams than non-military people nationwide.
• The three biggest threats are investment scams, online purchase scams, and fake job or unemployment scams.
• Investment scams often lure victims into putting money, sometimes in crypto, onto a scammer-controlled platform, then lock them out when they try to withdraw.
• Fake job offers are really phishing schemes designed to steal personal information for identity theft, not just money.
• Before trusting an offer, check the business independently through the Better Business Bureau or VA.gov rather than relying on contact info given by the person reaching out.

Outlook: The Better Business Bureau is urging friends and family of service members to stay alert and help them spot and report scams as the holiday and benefits season brings more solicitations.