County Veterans Affairs Office warns of scam

One day after the Winneshiek County Recorder's Office warned the public about a scam, the Winneshiek County Veterans Affairs Office is warning about a similar scan in which companies try to get people to pay for services that are offered free of charge or for a small fee at the courthouse.

VWinneshiek County Veterans Affairs Officer Faith Hlubek says veterans and their families have been targeted by dishonest advisers who are claiming to offer free help with paperwork for pension claims. The scheme involves attorneys, financial planners, and insurance agents trying to persuade veterans over 65 to make decisions about their pensions without giving them the whole truth about the long-term consequences. 

Specifically, they try to convince veterans to transfer their assets to a trust or to invest in insurance products so the veterans can qualify for Aid and Attendance benefits. What they don't reveal is that these transactions could mean that the veteran loses eligibility for Medicaid services or loses the use of their money for a long time. Adding insult to injury, the advisers are charging fees that range from hundreds to thousands of dollars for their services.

Said Hlubek, "Veterans should contact their local County Veterans Affairs Office--we provide these services at no cost and are here to advocate for the veterans and their families."