Learn more about the warning signs of cybercrime

You’ve served in the military and earned your pension. Perhaps you’re also saving to buy a new house or automobile, growing a nest egg for the children’s education, setting aside funds for a long-desired purchase or health care procedure, applying for PACT Act benefits or other VA benefits, or living off retirement funds. And then someone tries to scam you online or steal your identity. You need to protect yourself. Security prevents fraud and theft.

Now more than ever, U.S. service members and Veterans and their families are being targeted for identify theft and other online scams. Watch the Veteran and Military Cybercrime Public Service Announcement to help protect you and your earned benefits.

 

Cybercrime is a real threat

• Cyber criminals are on the prowl every day, undertaking unlawful and illegal activities using computers and the internet.
• It frequently is successful.
• Cyber criminals commonly target Veterans, families and caregivers to attempt to steal your identity, savings and VA benefits.

It’s important for all Veterans and family members to be aware that you’re a highly-coveted target—and to learn how to avoid being a target.

What you need to know

A big part of fighting cybercrime is for Veterans to be aware that it’s happening every day and learn how to protect yourself.

VA’s Office of Information and Technology has teamed up with the Cybercrime Support Network (CSN) to spread awareness to the Veteran community. In a bold new alliance of military and Veteran service organizations, non-governmental organizations, corporations, foundations, and federal agencies, the alliance is providing relevant, shareable tips and resources.

The CSN and VA partnership aims to empower the military and Veteran community to fight cybercrime.

Check out the Military & Veteran Program – Fightcybercrime.org webpage to learn more about fighting cybercrime; there you can also get helpful tips.

Learn about the types of scams to avoid, which are financial purchase scams, hacked devices and accounts, imposter scams, harassment, identity theft, and business scams.

Recognize. Prevent. Report. Recover.

• Military Resources – Fightcybercrime.org
• General Resources to Prevent Cybercrime & Report Online Scams – Fightcybercrime.org
• Fraud Alert COVID-19 Scams HHS IG website
• Tax Scams/Consumer Alerts IRS website
• ftc.gov
• Protect yourself against social media phishing
• Is your family cyber safe?
• Hook, line, and sinker: How to up your phishing game