Exclusive: Scam ads for hearing compensation schemes imply false link with MOD programme
BFBS Forces News has uncovered a series of scam ads for hearing loss compensation for veterans and serving military personnel, which falsely represent an affiliation with the Ministry of Defence.
The ads use the MOD insignia, which is protected by Crown Copyright, to falsely suggest they represent an official compensation scheme for veterans or serving personnel suffering from hearing loss or damage.
An MOD spokesperson told BFBS Forces News: "It is a breach of Advertising Standards, and of intellectual property law, to use Ministry of Defence and Government branding without explicit permission and licence.
"We are aware of a number of adverts carrying unauthorised branding and are taking appropriate legal action."
BFBS Forces News understands that legal action is ongoing against a number of advertisers who are illegitimately using MOD branding. Some have also been referred to the Advertising Standards Authority.
These ads also allege that current or former British military personnel could claim up to £150,000 for hearing loss or damage.
There is no official MOD scheme paying set amounts of compensation up to this value. Compensation claims must go through due legal process, and a very small percentage of cases result in compensation values of £150,000 or more.
The MOD is currently facing more than 11,000 claims of hearing loss from veterans as part of a group settlement agreed in July 2024.
Repeat offender
The page behind the ads, Armed Forces Hearing Help, has run at least five separate ad campaigns on Meta-owned platforms in November alone, which use the MOD insignia.
The most recent ad campaign, which was launched on 14 November and remained live as this investigation was published, had been seen by more than 329,000 people in just three days.
The Facebook page for Armed Forces Hearing Help has a link in its bio which leads to a website associated with a legal firm, Midland Legal and Medical Services Ltd. Companies House lists the nature of the company as "other business support services".
BFBS Forces News contacted Midland Legal and Medical Services Ltd to enquire about its relationship with the MOD and involvement in hearing compensation claims, but did not receive a response.
Meta is investigating the ads after they were brought to its attention by BFBS Forces News.
Seeking redress
In July 2024, the MOD accepted responsibility for thousands of veterans suffering from noise-induced hearing loss, or NIHL, in a landmark agreement with the solicitors Hugh James.
The agreement means the MOD has accepted a duty of care for personnel who suffered NIHL during their service. Such individuals will no longer have to prove negligence, only that their hearing loss happened while they were in the military.
Four test cases took place at the High Court last month to determine the level of compensation those suffering with NIHL could receive. Veterans have until the end of January 2026 to lodge their claims.
Separately, the MOD also settled 2,494 cases of noise-induced hearing loss in the 2023-24 financial year. An additional 13,748 cases were brought during that same year.
During the 2023-24 financial year, the MOD paid out £752,600 to 117 claimants for hearing loss under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme, according to figures provided in the House of Commons by the Armed Forces Minister Al Carns.
The issue of hearing loss in service has also reared its head again recently with Ajax reaching Initial Operating Capability. While the armoured fighting vehicles were undergoing testing over the summer, BFBS Forces News understands several soldiers were so badly affected by the noise and vibration that they were processed at the military medical centre.
It's unknown whether any of these individuals are seeking compensation for NIHL.
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