Arizona veterans get $1.2M in fraud restitution – KVOA

Arizona veterans get $1.2M in fraud restitution  KVOA

PHOENIX (KVOA) — Hundreds of Arizona veterans misled by an unaccredited consulting company will begin receiving restitution checks this week. According to the Arizona Attorney General's Office, more than $1.2 million is being distributed to veterans who were deceived by VetLink Solutions. The company unlawfully charged disabled veterans contingency fees for help with filing disability claims, state officials said. The payouts resolve a state lawsuit alleging VetLink Solutions violated the Arizona Consumer Fraud Act between January 2019 and March 13, 2024. Investigators found the company falsely marketed its services and lacked the legal accreditation required to assist veterans with U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs claims, according to the office. Arizona veterans misled by a disability claims company will start receiving restitution checks.

As part of a consent judgment reached earlier this year, the company paid $1.2 million into a restitution fund. Eligible consumers include veterans who paid consulting fees to the company during the five-year period and submitted a claim form before the deadline on Sept. 10. "The Arizona Attorney General's Office is proud to have secured this settlement on behalf of veterans in our state," Attorney General Kris Mayes said. "Veterans deserve trusted assistance—not deceptive sales tactics. My office will continue to hold accountable anyone who tries to take advantage of Arizona veterans.” State officials expect to distribute all