05/07/2026
-Veterans Claim Scams-
I am writing you to bring to your attention an issue involving veterans and predatory collection practices by so-called "claim sharks" — companies that charge disabled veterans large sums for help claiming benefits with the Department of Veterans Affairs.
These companies or individuals may promise to increase a VA disability rating or “guarantee” benefits. They often charge large upfront fees or a percentage of back pay. Many are not accredited by the VA, which means they’re not legally allowed to represent veterans in certain parts of the claims process.
In order to ensure veterans receive assistance from an individual or organization that understands the VA claims process, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs only recognizes accredited representatives, such as:
VA-accredited attorneys
Claims agents
Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) like DAV, VFW, American Legion
Massachusetts Veterans Service Officers who are accredited through EOVS
Unaccredited “claims sharks” may:
Give misleading advice
File questionable or inflated claims
Charge fees that accredited reps legally cannot (especially for initial claims, which should be free)
Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 93A prohibits “unfair or deceptive acts or practices” in trade or commerce. A VA claims consulting company might run afoul of 93A if it does things like:
Misrepresenting accreditation (implying they’re VA-approved when they’re not)
Charging illegal or improper fees (especially for initial claims that should be free)
Guaranteeing results or exaggerating success rates
Targeting vulnerable veterans with deceptive marketing
Failing to disclose key facts (like that free help is available through VSOs)
St. 2024, c. 178, § 47, effective August 8, 2024 updated M.G.L. Chapter 115 Section 18 (Mass. General Laws c.115 § 18 | Mass.gov) and made unaccredited "claims sharks" a violation of Chapter 93A.
If you think a veteran may be the victim of a claim shark, they can file a complaint with the Attorney General's Office Consumer Protection Bureau Consumer Hotline at (617) 727-8400 or file a complaint online at https://www.mass.gov/how-to/file-a-consumer-complaint
If you have any questions about this, please feel free to contact [email protected].
Are you having a problem with a business? File a complaint with the Attorney General's Office (AGO).
