10/25/22 -A Word Of Caution For Veterans Exposed To Toxic Chemicals

AG Nessel, MVAA Director Adams share information with Military Members about contaminated drinking water settlement and warn of potential scams.

(Press Release michigan.gov/mvaa) -  Oct. 24 -  Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA) Director Zaneta Adams partnered for a video to share important information about resources available to military members and their families who may have been exposed to toxic chemicals during their service, and to warn them about scammers who may try to exploit them for financial gain.

In the video, now available through the Department of Attorney General’s website, AG Nessel and Director Adams specify that Michigan veterans, reservists and National Guard members who served at U.S. Marine Base Camp Lejeune or Marine Corps Air Station New River in North Carolina between August 1953 and December 1987 may qualify for disability benefits, healthcare or compensation under the PACT Act signed into law by President Joe Biden. AG Nessel and Director Adams also highlight resources available to protect veterans from being scammed.

“With this much money available, there will be scammers who target our servicemen and women to defraud them. Some bad actors have taken the passage of the PACT Act and the Camp Lejeune settlement as a signal to set in motion scams to rob our veterans of their benefits and other hard-earned dollars,” Nessel said in the video.

“We want to ensure that our veterans are not taken advantage of by so-called veterans’ advocates and attorneys looking to make money off of their settlement,” said Director Adams. “If you have any questions about the PACT Act or are looking for assistance, please visit our website at Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency or call us at 800-MICH-VET.”

Current and former members of the military are encouraged to visit the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs website to locate resources in their region and review helpful information.

Anyone who thinks they have been the target of a scam because of their military status should file a complaint with the Department of Attorney General. Consumer complaints can be filed online at the Attorney General's website, or if you have questions about filing a complaint, call 877-765-8388.

Veterans can also reach out to U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs at 800-273-1000 to learn if a settlement could impact current benefits.