LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – Bad actors take aim at everyone, but some types of identity theft specifically target veterans.
Criminals may deploy a couple of different strategies.
Under one scenario, someone posing as a representative from the veteran’s administration could contact a victim about benefits. They ask for updated personal, credit card, or bank account information and then use it to commit another crime.
Vets also may be contacted by someone claiming to be a recruiter for a government contractor. They’ll say they want to hire the victim and need a copy of a passport to complete the application.
Again, the VA warns it’s an attempt to steal identities.
The VA says they will contact veterans by phone, email or text. However, it will never ask to provide any personal information via email.
It only addresses personal issues via traditional mail.
For those who get a suspicious call about VA benefits, hang up and contact the administration directly. If there’s any unauthorized changes to benefits, call the VA immediately.
For general cases of fraud, call the VA benefits hotline at 1-800-827-1000. For healthcare-related fraud, call the VHA Office of Integrity and Compliance at 866-842-4357.
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