Watch out for fake letters about deployed servicemembers

RALEIGH, NC   (January 30, 2019) — Fort Bragg officials are warning people about a recent scam involving fake deployment letters.

You may receive a letter that appears to be signed by a high-ranking, legitimate military official, asking you to subscribe to a website to be able to keep in touch with friends or family members who are deployed. The letters that claim to be from Fort Bragg are signed by Fort Bragg Garrison Commander Col. Kyle Reed and refer people to a website called MilVPN-Usaf. The website will then ask you to register, select a plan, and make a payment so you can contact the deployed servicemember.

These letters are a scam. Scammers often target members of the military and their relatives and attempt to take advantage of their fears and concerns for their loved one’s safety. Watch out for people who try to exploit a military connection, and make sure you verify that they are who they claim to be. Never send money or share personal or financial information online with someone you don’t know. If you do need to find out how to contact a loved one while they are deployed, contact your Family Readiness Liaison or chain of command.

Learn more about common military scams and ways to avoid them in our Military Consumer Protection Guide. If you believe you or someone you know has been the victim of a scam, file a complaint with our office at ncdoj.gov/complaint or 1-877-5-NO-SCAM.