During Data Privacy Week (January 27–31), the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) emphasized the importance of protecting Veterans’ personal information. The VA shared guidance on how Veterans and their beneficiaries can secure their data, particularly Personally Identifiable Information (PII).
It’s crucial for Veterans to understand that fraudsters frequently target them through various scams to gain access to personal data, potentially leading to identity theft. “Taking proactive measures to secure personal data is one of the most effective ways to prevent identity theft and other types of fraud,” the VA stated. They also reiterated their commitment to assist Veterans in safeguarding their personal information and benefits.
Understanding Identity Theft
Identity theft occurs when someone steals personal information, such as Social Security numbers (SSNs), bank account details, medical records, or credit card information, to commit fraud. This can lead to unauthorized purchases, drained bank accounts, and fraudulent benefit claims. Identity theft has significant consequences, impacting financial stability and potentially disrupting access to VA benefits.
Types of Scams Targeting Personal Data
The VA outlined several types of scams that are targeting personal data:
- Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) Scams: Fraudsters are leveraging AI to create fake identities or impersonate real individuals, businesses, or charities to steal secure information and file fraudulent benefit claims. They might also employ convincing voice or video messages in social engineering attacks to trick people into providing money to scammers.
- QR Code Scams: With the increased use of contactless payment and information sharing, fraudsters use QR codes as a quick scam vector. These codes may appear in emails, social media, flyers, websites, or public places. They direct users to phishing sites designed to steal personal data or request payment under false pretenses.
- Phishing: Phishing, also known as “clickbait” scams, takes many forms, including emails, phone calls, text messages, fake websites, advertisements, and social media videos. Clicking on links can lead Veterans to malicious phishing sites designed to steal personal information, infect devices with malware, or request payment for non-existent services.
- Romance & Friendship Scams: Fraudsters create fake profiles on dating apps and social media platforms to befriend individuals. Once a connection is established, they attempt to gather personal details to pressure potential victims with blackmail, gain access to PII, account numbers, passwords, or solicit financial payments.
How Veterans Can Secure Their Data
The VA provided several recommendations to help Veterans protect their data:
- Screen emails carefully, opening only those from senders you know and trust. Delete and block emails from unknown or suspicious senders.
- Be cautious of popups and links on websites, emails, and texts, as these can be used to infect your device with harmful malware.
- Limit the PII you post online, such as your address, date of birth, workplace, or kinship details. The less information scammers can find about you online, the safer you will be.
- Maximize privacy settings on all social media accounts to protect information from unauthorized users.
- Do not accept friend or connection requests from individuals with only an online presence. Only add friends or connections whom you know and trust in real life.
- Download strong antivirus software to protect yourself from malware attacks. If your computer runs unusually slowly or crashes frequently without explanation, it may be infected with malware.
- Never send bank information or payment to “online only” friends or unverified entities. Fraudsters may create an emergency and threaten to destroy your files or data, or lock your account if you do not send payment.
- If you experience ransomware, report the incident immediately and do not respond to any threats.
- Only scan QR codes from trusted sources. Always verify the code’s authenticity by visiting the organization’s website or contacting them directly.
Reporting Concerns
Veterans can contact their local VA Privacy Officer to file a complaint regarding an alleged VA privacy violation or for general privacy questions and concerns.
For more information on fraud impacting Veterans’ benefits, visit Protecting Veterans From Fraud | Veterans Affairs. Veterans who suspect they have experienced fraud can find resources to file a report with the appropriate agency by visiting www.vsafe.gov or calling 833-38V-SAFE.
