VA warns veterans of deepfake phishing scam that redirected benefits

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs said a fake "Veterans & Retired Seniors Grant Program" post that circulated on Facebook led some veterans to hand over their direct-deposit information, allowing scammers to redirect their VA benefits.

According to the VA's Office of Information and Technology, the post appeared to be sponsored by a government official. The department said a number of veterans have been targeted, losing thousands of dollars in promised VA payments, and that it is working quickly to make each affected veteran whole.

The VA described the scheme as deepfake phishing, in which scammers use artificial intelligence to make fake voices, videos or images appear real. The department said scammers may pose as the VA, a bank, a doctor or a family member, and may claim benefits are at risk or ask for passwords, bank information or Social Security numbers.

Warning signs listed by the VA include pressure to act immediately, requests for secrecy, voices or videos that seem unusual, and requests for private information. The department advised veterans to avoid clicking links right away and to verify requests by calling a trusted number or logging in through an official website.

The VA said scams related to VA health care or benefits can be reported to the VSAFE Fraud Hotline at 833-38V-SAFE (8-7233). Complaints can also be filed with the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov.

Source: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Originally published by True News: https://truenews.bagleyenterprises.net/stories/117