HEADS UP VETS: Imposter Phone Scam Targeting Veterans Who Misdial The Number For Healthcare Program
Its easy to accidentally hit a wrong number when dialing, and usually it doesnt lead to anything worse than an awkward conversation if someone picks up. But the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is now warning against a scam aimed at people who misdial the number for a healthcare program for veterans.
VA says scammers have set up a phone line that only differs from the real number for the Veterans Choice Program in the area code: The correct Choice Program number 1-866-606-8198. The imposter phone line is mostly the same number, but starting with 1-800 instead of 1-866.
When veterans call that wrong number, scammers give them some ostensibly good news theyre eligible for a $100 rebate
if they provide a credit card number.
Just for calling today, youre entitled to a rebate of $100, an automated greeting says. Or, you could just hang up!
Thats a clear sign that its a scam: VA says it will never ask veterans for that kind of information or push these kinds of financial incentives through the Choice Program phone line. Instead, the real phone line offers information about the program, including eligibility criteria.
Youll know youve reached the right phone number if the line automatically informs the caller that they have reached the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, VA says. The fake line doesnt say anything about Veterans Affairs right away, but scammers will tell callers that theyve reached the Veterans Choice Program if they ask.
If youre not sure which line youve just called, hang up and call the correct 1-866-606-8198 number.
This potential attempt to impersonate VAs Veterans Choice Program phone line is being taken very seriously, the department says, adding that its working with the Office of Inspector General to take legal action and get the fake phone line shut down.
(NOTE to admins: Since this is a PSA to our veterans, I hope the article can remain in its entirety here rather than being limited to the usual 4 paragraphs)
https://consumerist.com/2017/05/12/imposter-phone-scam-targeting-veterans-who-misdial-the-number-for-healthcare-program/