Tips to protect your identity and veterans benefits from scammers

Starting in 2025, veterans need to use a Login. gov or ID.me account to sign in to all VA websites and apps—including VA.gov, the My HealtheVet website, and the VA: Health and Benefits mobile app.

With the reliance on electronic communication, it is important for veterans and their loved ones to be aware of heightened concerns over fraud and scams.

The Federal Trade Commission estimated that in 2022 alone, Veterans reported $292 million in losses to fraud. And this number represents only detected fraud.

The first step veterans can take to ensure their indentity and information remains secure is when they apply for benefits.

Veterans are reminded to only use the official VA.gov website to file online benefit claims or download PDF benefit applications. If they see or hear an ad telling you to go to another site, that could be a scam. Veterans will be able to find everything they need on VA.gov if they need help getting started or in understanding the information, Taylor County Veterans Service Officer Sheila Sutton encourages veterans to contact her office and either she or Veterans Benefit Specialist Karyn Gebert, can assist them.

Taylor County Courthouse offers a secure Veterans Resource Center room where veterans may log in securely.

When signing up, veterans should use an account that meets modern security standards. Both Login. gov and ID.me accounts meet these standards, including multifactor authentication (MFA).

Veterans are reminded to use strong passwords that are unique for each account. Use a long, random mix of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters for each one. And use a password manager to organize your passwords. A password manager is a tool that can generate complex passwords and store them securely so you don’t have to remember them.

Veterans are also encouraged to monitor their benefits and finances. Read VA notifications about direct deposit and personal contact information. And monitor direct deposits and bank accounts regularly.

Tips for communicating with VA and people who claim to represent the VA?

Be cautious of emails and text messages about VA benefits. Don’t select links or download attachments unless you’re sure who the sender is. To check a link before selecting it, hover your cursor or assistive device over the link. Read or listen to the URL to make sure the link goes to the destination you’re expecting.

Confirm that any representative you work with is accredited by the VA. It’s not legal for a company or person to prepare, present, or prosecute VA benefit claims without the proper VA recognition. Accredited representatives are individuals the VA trusts to provide veterans with responsible, qualified representation on VA benefit claims.

Be cautious of aggressive companies. These companies may try to pressure veterans by contacting them often to ask them to sign their contract. Sometimes these companies insist that “you must act now or lose your chance for benefits.” Don’t sign a contract agreeing to pay an unauthorized company a percentage of benefit payments in exchange for their help with a VA claim. And never sign a blank form that someone says they’ll fill out for you later.

Be cautious of companies that say they’re contacting you on behalf of VA. These companies sometimes claim to have a special relationship with VA. Don’t give out any personal information until you can confirm that the person asking for the information is who they say they are. If you get a message and you’re not sure it’s legitimate, call the VA at 800-698-2411 (TTY: 711). They are there 24/7.

How do I make sure an email is from the VA? Make sure the email has the official VA seal. Make sure the email is from an official VA.gov address. Trusted partners, like Login.gov, will send emails only from their official email address.

Check for poor spelling or grammar. These can be signs of a scam.

Hover your cursor or assistive device over any links without selecting them. Read or listen to the URL to make sure the link goes to the destination you’re expecting.

Be careful what you download. Never open an email attachment from someone you don’t know. Be wary of email attachments forwarded to you.

Be suspicious of emails marked “urgent.” The VA will never pressure or threaten veterans in an email.

Be suspicious of emails asking for personal information like your Social Security number. The VA will never ask you to share personal information in an email. Instead, we’ll send you to VA.gov or provide a phone number you can call to update your information.

What are signs that a phone call might be a scam?

You didn’t ask for the call and a computer-generated voice asks you to press a number to speak with someone. If this happens, hang up. These types of calls are almost always scams.

See WORK on page 9 The caller asks for personal information, like your Social Security number, mother’s maiden name, or bank account number.

The caller claims to be from a government agency, like the IRS or the Social Security Administration. The caller warns you about an issue related to your Social Security number or other personal information.

The caller demands immediate payment. Often scammers ask you to pay through a payment app or service, gift card, prepaid debit card, wire transfer, cryptocurrency, bank transfer or payment, or money order. The caller may encourage you to move your money to a “protected” bank account.

The caller threatens to arrest you or have your utilities cut off if you don’t pay.

The caller claims you’ll face legal action unless you do what they say. Then the caller asks for payment or a money transfer.

What should I so if someone calls and says they represent VA?

If you get a call from someone who says they represent VA—or any government agency or company—hang up. You need to make sure that the reason for the call is legitimate.

Be even more suspicious of any caller who asks for a payment if you haven’t already gotten a written notice in the mail about it. And never rely on the telephone numbers on your caller ID alone. Scammers can change the telephone number to make a call appear to come from a different person or place.

To verify that you’re talking to someone from VA, call a phone number listed on the official VA.gov website. You may also be able to find the phone number on your benefit or account statement.

What should I do if I think I’ve been scammed?

Take these steps right away: Stop all contact with the scammer who contacted you.

Save all information or messages from the scammer in case you need to take legal action.

If you provided financial information, like your bank account number or credit card number, contact your bank or credit card company right away. They may be able to help you cancel a transaction or get your money back.

If you sent the scammer a gift card or money transfer, report the scam to the issuer. They might be able to help you stop the transaction. Find their contact information by visiting their website.

If you provided personal information, like your Social Security number, you may be at risk of identity theft. Report identify theft and get a recovery plan on identitytheft.gov Check your credit report and financial accounts for any unusual activity. Consider placing a freeze on your credit.

Adjust your mobile settings to block spam calls, texts, and emails.

As always, the Taylor County Veterans Service office is also and important resource to help Veterans. If you have any questions contact them at 715-748-1488 or stop into the office at the first floor of the Taylor County Courthouse or during office hours held regularly in Gilman and Rib Lake.