Photo: (vatucson)
A social media post claiming Veterans can receive free athletic shoes through the VA is fraudulent, according to department officials.
The scam has appeared in the form of a convincing flyer that uses VA imagery, recognizable footwear brands, and directions telling Veterans how to request shoes. Some versions also include legitimate VA contact information, which can make the promotion appear credible. However, the VA confirmed that it is not operating a general sneaker giveaway and warned Veterans not to follow links or provide information connected to the advertisement.
The purpose of the scam appears to be collecting personal information that could later be used for identity theft or other fraud. Veterans who encounter the promotion should not reply, click links, scan QR codes, or complete registration forms. Sharing the flyer, even as a warning, could also help it reach more potential victims.
A Real VA Footwear Benefit Does Exist
The fraudulent promotion may cause confusion because VA does provide footwear to some Veterans. The legitimate benefit, however, is based on medical need and is handled through the Veteran’s VA health care system.
Critical: Veterans receive this type of footwear only after a health care provider confirms a medical need, not through an advertisement or online giveaway.
Veterans who may need therapeutic footwear normally begin with a foot examination through primary care, podiatry, or wound care. When a foot evaluation confirms that specialized footwear is medically appropriate, the Veteran may be sent to VA prosthetics staff for sizing, fitting, and required adjustments.
VA policy describes therapeutic footwear as medically necessary shoes or boots used to treat, protect, or accommodate a foot condition. Depending on the Veteran’s needs, this may include orthopedic shoes, athletic-style therapeutic shoes, depth-inlay footwear, healing shoes, work boots, reinforced-toe footwear, or custom-made options. Inserts and other in-shoe orthoses may also be prescribed.
Possible qualifying circumstances include certain foot or ankle deformities, sensory neuropathy, peripheral arterial disease, neurological injuries, amputations, and conditions that cannot be safely managed with ordinary footwear. Eligibility is determined through an individual clinical evaluation rather than Veteran status alone.
VA policy states that Veterans prescribed therapeutic shoes or inserts may normally receive two wearable pairs. An additional pair can be authorized when a job, climate, or routine activity creates a separate health-related need.
How Veterans Can Protect Themselves
A VA logo, government phone number, or familiar brand name does not prove that an advertisement is legitimate. Veterans should verify any unexpected benefits by visiting VA.gov, contacting their VA medical center, or asking their established health care provider.
Anyone who received the shoe message should preserve screenshots or related communications without interacting with the sender. Veterans can call 1-833-38V-SAFE for assistance. The Federal Trade Commission also accepts scam reports, while IdentityTheft.gov provides recovery steps for people whose information has already been misused.
Veterans interested in legitimate therapeutic footwear should speak with their VA health care team instead of responding to advertisements or third-party registration pages. An accredited Veterans Service Officer can also point readers in the right direction for free.
Author: Rikki Almanza
Rikki is a Web Content Coordinator for the American Legion, Department of California. With a deep-rooted family connection to the military, Rikki is committed to using her skills and knowledge to provide valuable assistance and resources to servicemembers and veterans.
