SERVING
Those That
SERVED
Scams
How Do Scammers Get Information?
May 5, 2016
USVCP Staff
The scammer is fully aware of the veterans full name, address at the time of the call, military branch served, dates of service, all making the guise seem plausible. Granted, such information is easily accessible through various public records. Additionally, anyone who is computer literate is able to obtain a large volume of information about almost anyone from Internet resources, including names of family members and dates of birth. Also, new technology allows for anyone with the proper software to get even more information on individuals simply by inputting their driver’s license into the right software.
Fortunately, the scammer does not possess information available to the VA on any application for disability. Therefore, information such as a social security number, type of disability, or primary care physician is not available to the scammer.
This scam seems to work particularly well on veterans who have applied for VA disability or veterans working on getting an increase in compensation. When a scammer informs you that $75,000 worth of back pay will soon be deposited into your bank account, many veterans simply become irrational thinkers, and fall prey to this scam.
Where Are Scammers Hitting Pay Dirt?
Veterans living in areas with large veteran populations appear to be extremely vulnerable to this scam. Also, veterans who use VA facilities appear vulnerable as well.
How to Avoid Scam
The VA nor any governmental entity will ever request or require your financial information by telephone.
If you have a valid VA claim, you know the VA agent with whom you filed your claim. You also have claim paperwork signed by an authorized representative of the Veterans Administration. These are the folks with whom you should have contact.
