If you’re anywhere near a television or radio in the Carolinas, chances are you’ve heard commercials about the Camp Lejeune class-action lawsuit. The ads state if you or a loved one served there between 1953 and 1987, you could be entitled to compensation because of water contamination.

What You Need To Know

  • Scammers are going after veterans who served at Camp Lejeune, claiming a fast payout for health issues stemming from water contamination

  • Veterans who served at the Marine Corps base from the 1950s to the '80s may be entitled to compensation

  • You can find accurate information about compensation by visiting va.gov/camplejeune

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs provides disability and health care benefits to veterans who have developed a wide variety of cancers due to that contamination.

The Better Business Bureau says scammers are sending emails and texts promising a fast payout after an upfront payment. But there's no payout coming from them.

BBB president and CEO Tom Bartholomy says they’re saying whatever they can to get a hold of veterans' money, but there are ways to avoid falling victim.

“Realize right off the bat there’s no such thing as quick and easy when it comes to dealing with the federal government,” he said. “We suggest — if you like what they have to say — get their information, don’t agree to anything at that point, and the first place you need to check is va.gov/camplejeune.”

He says there’s a list of Camp Lejeune settlements and the status of the lawsuits. From there, he recommends looking for reputable representation, likely someone who doesn’t solicit you.