Attorney General Mayes Announces Nearly $2 Million Settlement to Protect Veterans from Misleading Disability Claims Practices

PHOENIX – Attorney General Kris Mayes today announced her office has secured $1.95 million in restitution, civil penalties, and fees from White Tanks Group LLC, doing business as VetLink Solutions, and its principals, after the company allegedly misled veterans seeking disability benefits increases.

“In Arizona, we are so grateful for our veterans and they  have earned our support and protection,” said Attorney General Kris Mayes. “My office will not allow companies to exploit veterans who are simply trying to access the benefits they have bravely earned.”

The consent judgment, filed in Maricopa County Superior Court, resolves allegations that VetLink Solutions violated the Arizona Consumer Fraud Act by misleading veterans about the nature of its services, implying that it could perform services that only VA accredited representatives were authorized to provide, and improperly charging thousands of dollars for services that accredited VA representatives could not charge.

From 2019 through 2024, the company advertised its services nationwide and implied it could guide veterans through the disability benefits claims process, promising unrealistic increases in benefits, including claims‑related assistance. It used a prohibited contingency fee payment structure and charged some customers unreasonable amounts for the services provided, including substantial fees, sometimes as high as $12,000, tied to the veteran’s increased disability payments. VetLink continued these practices despite the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs sending two cease-and desist letters.

“Veterans deserve trusted assistance—not deceptive sales tactics,” Mayes added. “My office will continue to hold accountable anyone who tries to take advantage of our veterans.”

As part of the consent judgment, Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes has obtained $1.2 million in restitution from VetLink, which ceased operating in 2024. The Attorney General will distribute these funds to Arizona veterans who purchased VetLink’s services, and any remaining restitution will be distributed to veterans in other states.

Under the settlement:

• $1.2 million will be returned to eligible veterans as restitution
• $700,000 will be directed toward civil penalties supporting the Consumer Protection-Consumer Fraud Revolving Fund.
• An additional $50,000 will cover attorneys’ fees and costs.
• Defendants are permanently prohibited from misleading consumers about their affiliation with the VA or their authority to prepare, present, or prosecute VA benefit claims unless they have received VA accreditation.

There is no need for eligible customers to file a complaint with our office. A claims administrator will send a postcard to VetLink’s customers within the next few weeks to notify them of their eligibility to receive restitution and to provide instructions on completing a claim form.  If you believe you are eligible but do not receive a postcard from the claim administrator within the next few weeks, please check the Arizona Attorney General’s website, www.azag.gov, for instructions on how to contact the administrator directly. 
 
This matter was handled by Assistant Attorneys General Suzanne Pendergast, Alyse Meislik, and Amanda Salvione from the Consumer Protection and Advocacy Section. 

A copy of the complaint is available. A copy of the signed Consent Judgment that is pending court approval is available.
 
If you believe you are a victim of consumer fraud or unfair practices, you can file a complaint with the Arizona Attorney General’s Office at www.azag.gov/consumer.  If you need a complaint form sent to you, you can contact the Attorney General’s Office in Phoenix at (602) 542-5763, in Tucson at (520)628-6648, or outside the Phoenix and Tucson metro areas at (800) 352-8431.