VA urges Veterans to verify messages and report suspected cyber fraud

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is advising Veterans, their families and caregivers to pause and verify unexpected messages that appear to come from VA, according to an October 23 article from the VA Office of Information and Technology. VA described cyber fraud as a growing risk that can lead to stolen personal data and benefits. VA said such fraud includes phishing emails, fake websites, stolen passwords, and deepfake audio or video calls and recordings. According to the department, scammers may pose as VA officials, managers, doctors or nurses, bank representatives, other Veterans, or friends and family members. VA gave an example of a text message that warns of a benefits problem and urges the recipient to click a link and enter personal information to avoid payment delays. The department said the safer step is to contact the relevant VA office directly to confirm whether the message is real. VA recommended using multi-factor authentication, keeping software updated, limiting shared account access and regularly reviewing who has access to accounts. VA said scams related to VA health care can be reported at 866-842-4357, and scams related to VA benefits at 833-388-7233. Scams not related to VA can be reported to the Federal Trade Commission at 877-382-4357 or reportfraud.ftc.gov, the department said.

Source: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Originally published by True News: https://truenews.bagleyenterprises.net/stories/390