Veterans,

 

You’ve earned the benefits and services available to you. Unfortunately, scammers know that, too — and they may use military themes, VA benefits or promises of financial assistance to gain your trust.

About 27% of Veterans report losing money to scams at some point in their lives, while roughly 86% have encountered scams specifically designed to target Veterans.

A few simple reminders can help you stay one step ahead:

• Never provide personal or financial information to unsolicited callers.
• Be cautious of anyone using high-pressure tactics or urging you to act immediately to “secure” your benefits.
• Verify benefit information by contacting VA through the official phone numbers and websites.
• If something doesn’t feel right, pause and verify before acting.

VA’s VSAFE program is an official resource designed to help protect Veterans and survivors from scams. If you have concerns about suspected fraud, call the VSAFE hotline at 1-833-38V-SAFE.

You can also report fraud to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov or the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov.

Your benefits are yours. Protect them. When in doubt, pause, verify, and ask before you act.

 

Veterans Health Care System of the Ozarks

VHSO, where Veterans come first!