Identity theft occurs when someone steals personal information—such as Social Security Numbers (SSNs), bank account details, medical records, and credit card information—to commit fraud. This can lead to unauthorized purchases, drained bank accounts, and even fraudulent claims for benefits in your name. The consequences of identity theft can be severe, impacting both financial stability and access to VA benefits.

Types of Scams Targeting Personal Data

• Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) Scams: Fraudsters can use AI to create fake identities or impersonate real people, businesses, or charities to access secure information and file claims for benefits. They may develop convincing voice or video messages to trick people into giving money to fraudsters.
• QR Code Scams: With the rise of contactless payment and information sharing, fraudsters use QR codes as a quick scam. These codes may appear in emails, social media, flyers, websites, or public places like parking meters, and direct users to phishing sites intended to steal personal data or request payment under false pretenses.
• Phishing: Phishing scams come in many forms, such as emails, phone calls, text messages, fake websites, and social media videos. Clicking on links can lead Veterans to phishing sites designed to steal personal information, infect devices with malware, or request payment for nonexistent services. Veterans should remain vigilant and skeptical to stay safe online.
• Romance & Friendship Scams: Fraudsters create fake profiles on dating apps and social media platforms to befriend individuals. Once a connection is established, they gather personal details to later pressure potential victims with blackmail to gain personal identifiable information (PII), account numbers, passwords, or financial payment.

How to Secure Your Data

• Screen Emails Carefully: Only open emails from senders you know and trust. Delete and block emails from unknown or suspicious senders.
• Be Cautious of Popups and Links: These can be used to infect your device with harmful malware. Avoid clicking on popups and links on websites, emails, and texts.
• Limit Personal Information Online: The less information scammers can find about you online, the safer you will be. Avoid posting your address, date of birth, workplace, or kinship details.
• Maximize Privacy Settings: Use strong privacy settings on all active social media accounts to protect your information from unknown users and prevent unauthorized access.
• Avoid Accepting Friend Requests from Strangers: Only add friends or connections you know and trust in real life.
• Download Strong Antivirus Software: Protect yourself from malware attacks. If your computer runs unusually slowly or frequently crashes without explanation, it may indicate a malware infection.
• Never Send Bank Information to Unverified Entities: Fraudsters may create an emergency to demand payment. If you experience ransomware, do not respond to any threat and report the incident immediately.
• Verify QR Codes: Only scan QR codes from trusted sources. Always verify the code’s authenticity by visiting the organization’s website or contacting them directly.

Veterans can contact their local Privacy Officer to file a complaint regarding an alleged VA privacy violation or for general privacy questions and concerns. The VA Privacy website contains guidance and resources, including information on how to file a privacy complaint and protect your identity.

www.vsafe.gov