TAMPA, Fla. — As a way to show veterans like Nicole Allen appreciation for the service, many businesses offer discounts to them. Nicole thought she was getting a discount from a moving company she found on Craigslist. 

“The guy seemed like he was legitimate, but I was wrong,” Nicole said. “I was wrong. I think what got me going to his post was because it said 'Veteran Moving, LLC.'"

On moving day, the mover never showed up. Nicole was out $80 and still needed to find an affordable moving company. The Better Business Bureau says Nicole isn't the only veteran falling victim to this kind of crime. 

“What our research and reports have found is that veterans are more likely to fall victim to the scams and they're losing more money to these scams,” said Bryan Oglesby, a spokesman for the BBB.

According to the BBB, a little more than 46% of American consumers fell victim to online scams in 2020. That percentage creeped up to nearly 50% for veterans and almost to 60% for active duty service members.

Oglesby says, with the holiday season approaching, there will be even more scams to avoid.  

“A big report is online puppy scams where a BBB researcher has found over 80% of online ads or scam-oriented websites.”

Nicole says she didn't come away empty-handed from this situation. She has important advice to pass on to her fellow veterans for this coming Veterans Day. 

“Always do your research,” Nicole said. “Dot your I’s and cross your T’s before you pay for anything. Make sure it’s a legitimate company. Make sure you drop that so it won’t cause a headache pretty much.”