The San Diego Better Business Bureau (BBB) is warning about a variety of military-related scams that may target both active personnel and veterans. "It's disgusting how con artists will attempt to dupe our nation's military heroes," said Gerry Wilson, BBB president and CEO.

According to the BBB, here are a few possible military-related scams:

• Phony notices will claim veterans can receive special insurance dividends if they pay an up-front fee.

• Veterans will be promised a lump sum for signing over their future pension or disability payments;

• "Free lifetime groceries" from the base commissary will be promised if a hefty fee is paid for a phony shopping club membership.

• "Buying Clubs," requiring a membership fee, will offer discounted merchandise that is really overpriced after inflated shipping charges are added.

• Imposter insurance agents will offer "supplemental GI insurance," as a ruse to collect private information for identity theft.

• Websites will claim that a portion of proceeds will be donated to disabled veterans, widows and orphans, but a percentage is never revealed. Wilson said, "Our advice is ask lots of questions, investigate, check with trusted friends and have a healthy dose of skepticism. If something sounds too good to be true, check it out."

The BBB is also warning about misleading telemarketers who claim they're raising money for law enforcement agencies following a series of phone calls to the El Cajon Fire Department.

According to Monica Zech, spokesperson for the El Cajon Fire Department, consumers have been phoning her office to ask about the legitimacy of phone calls from solicitors who claim they're raising money for a group called the California Professional Firefighters.

"Telemarketers are telling people they're calling on our behalf, which is untrue," Zech said. "We do not solicit for donations over the phone." According to Wilson, fraudulent fund-raisers will often create a law enforcement sounding name to serve as a bogus charity and then keep most of the money. Wilson recommends:

• Ask lots of questions before giving money. How much of the money will go to the law enforcement agency and how much to the fund-raiser?

• Ask the soliciting group for printed information, such as a brochure describing the programs, a list of board members and the latest financial statements.

• Do not be intimidated by groups using hard-sell tactics to secure your donation. You are not obligated to make a contribution on the spot or have a "runner" come to your home or office to pick up the money.

• Never give cash. Instead, write a check for tax purposes. Check with the BBB (858-496-2131) for a reliability report on any charity.