SERVING
Those That
SERVED
Scams
Terrifying New Scam Ripping Off Veterans
September 28, 2018
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Social Security Administration (SSA) and many state Attorney General offices have issued a warning to veterans to be aware of a new scam that attempts to switch their monthly bank deposit to the scammers own bank account.
Here’s How The Scam Works
The scammer will contact a veteran pretending to be an employee of the veterans bank, the Social Security Administration or a veteran organization that the veteran is a member of or has shown interest in joining. The scammer will report to the veteran that suspicious activity has occurred to the veteran’s bank account, and the scammer asks the veteran to verify bank account information. Once the veteran provides their banking information and account login information, the scammer has what they need to steal the veteran’s identity and make unauthorized direct deposit changes. Once the scammer has the veterans information, the scammer will operate as the veteran and simply move money around to the scammers personal account.
According to the Attorney General, to avoid falling for this scam make sure to follow the guidelines below:
1. Do not respond to unknown callers. If you did not initiate contact with the SSA or VA, and are randomly contacted by them – it is most likely a scam.
2. Never provide your personal, financial or account login information to unknown, and unverified people. Always contact the legitimate agency independently before any transaction.
3. Protect your computer and banking data by using security software, firewalls and keep security patches and passwords up to date.
4. Before providing any personal information to any organization get a call back number. Verify the number online (Google telephone verification).
5. If possible, always conduct financial business in person with your lending institution.
