The White House and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced a new website to protect veterans and their families from scams, which will help keep those receiving VA benefits informed and protected against fraud schemes.
The launch of VSAFE.gov is in response to recent steep upticks in fraud and scam attacks on veterans, resulting in veterans losing more than $350 million to scams last year. The website provides consolidated access to tools that veterans can use to “protect themselves” and a place for veterans to report fraud attempts and receive support.
“This new call center and website are a one-stop-shop for veterans, service members, and their families to help avoid fraud and scams,” said VA Secretary Denis McDonough. “We know that more veterans than ever before are now receiving VA benefits, which sadly means that more bad actors are trying to steal those benefits. That’s why we’re launching these tools: to give these heroes every tool at the Federal government’s disposal to protect themselves and their families.”
The website includes a centralized call line for complaints where callers can get help with predatory practices and be routed to the appropriate Federal agency for assistance. Those seeking support will be able to connect with the correct agency even if they don’t use the call line, said the VA, noting that new training materials will be provided to VA staff members to inform them how to assist callers.
Resources available on the website are compiled from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), Department of Defense, Department of Education, Department of State, Federal Communications Commission, Federal Trade Commission, Internal Revenue Service, Office of Management and Budget, and Social Security Administration.
“Predatory actors are constantly looking for new ways to exploit new and evolving technologies to target service members, compromising their personal data and financial stability as well as their military readiness,” said Rohit Chopra, the director of CFPB. “The VSAFE initiative is a key component of a whole-of-government collaboration to protect veterans from fraudsters and scammers, and the CFPB is committed to working with our partners in this important effort.”
Scams and fraud have increased since the passage of the Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act of 2022, which expanded VA healthcare and benefits for millions of veterans exposed to burn pits and toxic substances. Tactics used by fraudsters and scammers often include charging high fees for consultations or claim processing times, requiring binding contracts that take a percentage of benefit payments, and stealing claimants’ benefits.
The VA said that no assistance in claiming or receiving benefits should be at any cost, and to refer to the call line or website for support.
