Veterans are allegedly paying thousands in break fees, feeling pressured to sign contracts and having claims drawn out by businesses trying to maximise their bottom line.

Volunteer and paid advocates help veterans navigate the Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) claims process.

A Senate inquiry in September heard that some of these companies are ripping veterans off and defrauding DVA.

One in five claims made to the department in the last year were made by paid advocates on behalf of veterans, double the year before.

It is an unregulated industry, and allegations against companies range from unethical business practices to fraud.

The Canberra Times asked a fraud expert, former public servant and veteran Michael Callan, and paid advocate Carrissa Ibbott what red flags to look ou

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