Protecting Veterans from Identity Theft
Imagine discovering that someone has used your name to take out loans or make purchases. Sadly, the unauthorized use of personal information and identity theft remains a significant threat, especially for veterans.
Criminals often target veterans due to their recurring monthly benefits payments. Using stolen personal information, bad actors exploit VA benefits, healthcare, and pensions. To combat this, the VA is encouraging veterans and their families to take action during National Identity Theft Prevention and Awareness Month, held in December.
This month is about empowering veterans with the knowledge and resources needed to defend against identity theft and secure their benefits. From protecting financial accounts to monitoring for suspicious activity, veterans and their families should remain vigilant.
What is Identity Theft?
Identity theft happens when someone steals your personal information—such as your Social Security Number (SSN), bank account details, medical account numbers, or credit card information—to commit fraud. This can lead to unauthorized purchases, drained bank accounts, and even fraudulent claims for benefits under your identity.
For veterans, identity theft can compromise both your financial stability and your access to VA benefits.
Warning Signs of Identity Theft
Recognizing the warning signs of identity theft is crucial for avoiding fraud. Veterans and their loved ones should be aware of these potential red flags:
- Unexplained bank or credit card changes: Be on the lookout for unfamiliar charges or withdrawals on your bank statement or changes to your address you didn’t expect. These could indicate that someone is using your account without your permission.
- Credit report mistakes or unrecognized accounts: If your credit score suddenly drops, or you are denied credit, someone may be using your information to open accounts or take out loans in your name. The three major nationwide credit bureaus offer free credit reports once every 12 months. You can also check your credit report online at AnnualCreditReport.com once a week.
- Notifications for unpaid bills: Contact from debt collectors about unpaid bills for services or products you didn’t purchase is a significant warning sign.
- Unfamiliar medical bills or insurance statements: Watch out for unfamiliar charges or treatments on your medical bills or insurance statements, which may indicate that someone has used your identity to receive health care services.
- Mail disruption: If expected mail stops arriving or is missing—such as bank statements, bills, or VA correspondence—it could mean someone has redirected your mail to access your personal information.
- Suspicious VA or government benefits activity: Report missing VA benefit payments, payment discrepancies, or any suspicious activity with your direct deposit to the VA immediately at 800-827-1000.
How to Protect Yourself from Identity Theft
There are several steps veterans can take to protect themselves against identity theft:
- Freeze your credit: Contact the major credit bureaus—Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion—directly to initiate a credit freeze. This security measure prevents bad actors from opening new accounts in your name by blocking access to your credit report.
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication: Use two-factor authentication (also known as Multi-Factor Authentication or MFA) wherever possible. Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security, requiring a second form of identification beyond your password.
- Secure devices and documents: Create strong, unique passwords for your accounts. Keep physical documents in a safe and secure place. Shred paperwork that is no longer needed.
- Utilize identity theft monitoring services: Some organizations offer free or discounted identity monitoring for veterans. These services can alert you to suspicious activity and help protect your information.
- Safeguard Personally Identifiable Information (PII): Exercise caution when sharing information online or over the phone. Always verify the identity of anyone requesting your personal information, particularly when they claim to represent the VA.
- Stay informed about scams: Stay up-to-date on the latest fraud schemes targeting veterans by visiting the benefits fraud prevention webpage or visiting https://benefits.va.gov/BENEFITS/fraud-prevention.asp.
Reporting Identity Theft
If you believe someone has stolen your identity, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at IdentityTheft.gov to receive a free personal recovery plan. If you prefer to report in Spanish, go to RobodeIdentidad.gov. For other languages, call 1-877-438-4338 and press 3 for an interpreter. Interpreters are available from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. ET.
Veterans who suspect they have experienced tax-related identity theft but haven’t received a notice from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) should learn about filing Form 14039. Completing the Identity Theft Affidavit will invalidate a fraudulent return filed using your information.
Identity theft poses a serious risk to veterans. However, by remaining vigilant and taking proactive steps, you can significantly reduce the chances of falling victim to fraud. National Identity Theft Prevention and Awareness Month reinforces the importance of protecting your identity, your financial security, and your access to benefits earned through service.
For additional information on protecting yourself, visit Protecting Veterans From Fraud | Veterans Affairs (va.gov).
Veterans experiencing fraud can find resources to file a report with the appropriate agency by visiting www.vsafe.gov or calling 833-38V-SAFE.
