As a military veteran, you’ve served our country with honor and dedication. Even after leaving the service, threats can persist in the form of phishing scams. Cybercriminals often target veterans, hoping to exploit their personal information and benefits. Understanding how to recognize and protect yourself from these scams is crucial to safeguarding your personal data and financial well-being.
What is Phishing?
Phishing is a type of cyber-attack in which criminals disguise themselves as legitimate organizations or entities to trick individuals into divulging sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, credit card details, and more. These attacks can take various forms, including emails, phone calls, text messages, and social media interactions.
Why are Veterans Targeted?
Veterans are often targeted because they may be eligible for various benefits, including healthcare, education, and financial assistance. Scammers know that how these benefits are administered isn’t always clear, so they use the opportunity to target unsuspecting veterans.
Common Veteran Phishing Scams
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Fake VA Emails and Websites: Scammers create emails and websites that appear to be from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). They might ask you to update your personal information or confirm your benefits. Always verify the sender’s email address and use the official VA website to access information. Authentic government emails will come from addresses with .gov at the end, so beware of any email claiming to be official that ends in .com or .some other address. Do NOT click on any links before the address is verified. (Here is an example of a fake address: info@veterans-benefits.com ... Notice the .com at the end?)
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Phony Charity Requests: Scammers often attempt to exploit the goodwill of veterans by posing as representatives of charitable organizations. These fraudsters might ask for donations to support veterans in need or something similar. Before contributing, research the organization thoroughly or use trusted platforms to make donations.
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Job Offer Scams: Scammers may offer fake job opportunities tailored to veterans. These offers often require you to provide personal information or pay upfront fees. Legitimate employers will never ask for money during the hiring process, so beware of such offers.
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Phone and Text Message Scams: Cybercriminals may contact you via phone or text, claiming to be from the VA or other government agencies. They might request personal information or payments to process benefits. Always verify the legitimacy of such requests by contacting the agency directly.
How To Protect Yourself
- Verify the Source: Always check the legitimacy of emails, websites, and phone calls. Look for official contact information and be wary of unsolicited requests for personal information.
- Look out for Urgent Requests: Many scammers will urge veterans to act quickly, typically with a one- or two-day time limit, to get them to act hastily. Such short time limits are rare from official government organizations, so beware of these.
- Use Strong Passwords: Ensure your online accounts have strong, unique passwords. Consider using a password manager to keep track of your credentials securely.
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Whenever possible, enable 2FA on your accounts. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification in addition to your password.
- Keep Software Updated: Regularly update your computer, smartphone, and software applications to protect against known vulnerabilities.
- Report Suspicious Activity: If you suspect a phishing attempt, report it to the VA or other relevant authorities. This helps protect other veterans from falling victim to the same scams.
Resources for Veterans
Your Service to our great nation is deeply appreciated, and your security is paramount. Remember to stay informed and vigilant to protect yourself against phishing scams. For more information, visit trusted sources, and don’t hesitate to reach out for help if you suspect fraudulent activity. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
