We have submitted all paperwork to apply for benefits from the VA. The agency is calling me each week to see if I have received any funds from the VA. They said they would have to pull the money out immediately when its deposited. Should they receive payment before the services are delivered? I am not sure if I am comfortable with this process. I also want to make sure its not fraud.
Clarity Please!
1. You referred to "the agency." What agency is this? I'm not interested in names, but rather how you found this agency and what the relationship is. Did you research local agencies? Sign any contract? Do a background check? Determine if it's registered?
2. "Pulling out money" immediately after it's deposited is not standard procedure. They provide the work and services, submit invoices (perhaps directly to the VA depending on what type of assistance you've applied for), and then are paid.
3. Have you signed any contract with the agency that requires an advance payment? If you've signed anything, reread it, very carefully.
4. Has the agency asked for access to your account so it can "pull the money out immediately?" If this is an accurate statement of their intent, red flags are flapping in the wind and you should take heed of them. Don't ever give them access to your accounts.