At Homewatch CareGivers of Tacoma, we proudly serve those who’ve served us. Veterans have given so much to our country, and it’s our mission to ensure they feel supported, respected, and safe—especially as they age. Unfortunately, many older veterans are being targeted by increasingly sophisticated scams, often leading to emotional distress and financial hardship.

Through compassionate, attentive, and knowledgeable support, in-home caregivers can be a vital line of defense against fraud. Let’s explore how veteran home care services in Tacoma, WA, and surrounding areas can protect our heroes from common scams—and why families are turning to professional home care for peace of mind.

Why Are Veterans Frequent Targets of Scams?

Scammers often target veterans for several reasons:

Access to benefits: Veterans often receive pensions, disability payments, or other assistance, making them prime targets for financial fraud.
Trust in authority: Many veterans grew up in a time when trusting government officials or uniformed personnel was the norm.
Social isolation: Aging veterans may live alone or lack frequent contact with loved ones, making them vulnerable to deceitful phone calls, emails, or in-person solicitations.

According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, veterans lost nearly $292 million to fraud in 2022 alone. These scams range from fraudulent benefits assistance to fake charities and phishing attempts that exploit sensitive personal information.

Common Scams Targeting Veterans

Some of the most widespread scams aimed at veterans include:

“Pension poaching”: Fraudsters pose as legitimate VA benefits advisors and charge fees to “help” veterans access aid they already qualify for.
Bogus charities: Scammers create fake military-related charities to tug at the heartstrings of well-meaning veterans and solicit donations.
Phishing emails and calls: Fraudsters impersonate VA representatives to extract sensitive data like Social Security numbers or banking information.
Romance scams: Isolated veterans may be targeted via social media or dating platforms, only to be manipulated for money.
Fake job offers or housing deals: Often advertised as “veteran exclusive,” these scams trick seniors into sending upfront fees for services or opportunities that don’t exist.

The Role of Home Care in Fraud Prevention

1. Day-to-Day Monitoring and Companionship

Veterans who receive home care assistance in Tacoma, WA, benefit from having someone in their home on a regular basis. Our caregivers build trusted relationships with clients, which makes it easier to notice red flags such as:

Unusual financial transactions
Mail from unfamiliar organizations
Repeated phone calls from unknown numbers
Sudden changes in mood due to scam-related emotional distress

By being present, our caregivers can help intercept fraudulent mail, field suspicious phone calls, and listen to veterans' concerns before scams escalate.

2. Technology Support and Scam Awareness

Many scams today arrive via email, text, or social media. Veterans who aren’t tech-savvy may not recognize phishing attempts or fake websites. Our caregivers can help:

Set up privacy settings on smartphones and computers
Review suspicious emails or messages before the client takes action
Teach veterans how to recognize warning signs (e.g., urgent payment demands, gift card requests, or grammatical errors)

We also stay updated on scam trends through resources from the AARP Veterans Fraud Center and the VSAFE.gov initiative by the VA. Education is one of the best defenses, and we’re committed to sharing it.

3. Advocacy and Coordination with Family Members

Veterans receiving elder care services in Tacoma, WA, or surrounding areas like Gig Harbor and University Place, often rely on family to help with major decisions. However, long-distance caregiving can make oversight difficult.

Homewatch CareGivers acts as a bridge between the veteran and their loved ones. Our team keeps families informed about anything concerning, whether it’s a suspicious visitor, questionable documents, or behavioral changes that may indicate stress from fraud attempts.

We also encourage families to work with VA-accredited representatives only when applying for benefits to avoid third-party scams.

4. Support with Paperwork and Safe Record-Keeping

Scam artists often prey on veterans who struggle with managing documents or understanding complex forms. Our trained caregivers can:

Help clients organize paperwork in a safe location
Watch for fake invoices or “urgent” letters demanding payment
Assist with reviewing legitimate documents, especially those related to healthcare or VA benefits

With veteran home care services in Gig Harbor, WA, we aim to reduce confusion and prevent vulnerable individuals from unknowingly sharing sensitive information.

5. Transportation and Accompaniment

Some scams occur during public outings—like offers from aggressive salespeople at community centers or shady vendors near VA hospitals. Our caregivers can provide:

Transportation to verified VA appointments
Accompaniment during errands or shopping
Assistance navigating unfamiliar settings or avoiding solicitation attempts

For families using home care in University Place and beyond, knowing their loved one has a trusted companion during outings reduces the risk of in-person scams.

Why Homewatch CareGivers of Tacoma?

We proudly serve Tacoma, Gig Harbor, University Place, Puyallup, Bonney Lake, and surrounding communities in Pierce County with personalized, high-quality home care. Our team understands the unique needs of veterans and works closely with families to create a protective, respectful environment.

When you choose Homewatch CareGivers, you're choosing:

Experienced caregivers trained in fraud awareness and elder safety
Tailored plans that meet veterans’ health and independence goals
Compassionate care with a deep sense of honor for military service

Our mission goes beyond daily care—we’re here to empower and protect those who’ve served our country.

Closing Thoughts: Helping Veterans Age Safely at Home

Scammers prey on vulnerability, but veterans don’t have to face this threat alone. With dedicated support from home care providers in Tacoma, WA, older veterans can enjoy their golden years without fear of financial exploitation.

Whether your loved one needs daily assistance, occasional check-ins, or help navigating the digital world, Homewatch CareGivers of Tacoma is here to help. Our veteran home care services in Pierce County combine protection, dignity, and compassion—so every veteran can age at home with confidence.

Resources:

Protecting Veterans from fraud – US Department of Veterans Affairs
AARP Launches Online Resource Center to Help Protect Veterans Against Rising Fraud - AARP