Mathias Busekist
Many victims are too embarrassed to report the fraud.
A new report has revealed that U.S. service members are more likely to be affected by scams and unethical business practices, losing more money and confidence than the general public.
The joint study—released by the BBB Institute for Marketplace Trust, the Association of Military Banks of America, and Zelle—highlights a concerning trend: military consumers are reporting higher financial losses to scams than civilians. While the general public reports a median loss of $130, that figure jumps to $196 for military personnel.
Young service members are particularly vulnerable. Those aged 18 to 24 experienced the highest levels of both susceptibility to fraud and financial losses.
Beyond monetary harm, the emotional toll is also significant—44% of military consumers said they lost confidence or peace of mind after being targeted.
Melanie McGovern of the Better Business Bureau (BBB) said employment scams have become a pressing issue for military families, especially due to their transient lifestyles.
“We know that the military community moves a lot,” McGovern said. “So, that work-from-home opportunity seems ideal. They can keep the job even if they have to relocate. Unfortunately, scammers are aware of that and take advantage.”
Among all the complaints, car dealerships topped the list of problematic industries for military consumers. High-pressure tactics and a lack of transparency during the point of sale were cited as common issues.
“They’re pressured to make a decision,” McGovern explained. “They might not fully understand the terms at the time of purchase, which makes things even more complicated.”
The BBB is urging all service members—whether or not they lose money—to report scam experiences. Sharing those details can help authorities track fraudulent activity and prevent others from becoming victims.