(Photo: SkitterPhoto)
A new website and call center have been launched by the VA and the Biden-Harris Administration to protect Veterans, Service Members, and their families from fraud and scams.
The website, VSAFE.gov, and the call center at 1-833-38V-SAFE (1-833-388-7233), are designed to inform Veterans about common fraud schemes, provide them with tools to protect themselves, and offer an outlet for reporting and seeking assistance. With the VA expanding benefits to more Veterans, the risk of fraud has increased, making these tools crucial.
“This new call center and website are a one-stop-shop for Veterans, Service Members, and their families to help avoid fraud and scams,” VA Secretary Denis McDonough stated. “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.”
These resources are part of the White House’s VSAFE (Veterans, Service Members, and Families Fraud Evasion) interagency policy council, which combines resources from multiple federal agencies, including the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the Department of Defense, the Department of Education, the Federal Communications Commission, and the Federal Trade Commission. This ensures Veterans and their families have seamless access to necessary tools and support.
“The VSAFE initiative is a key component of a whole-of-government collaboration to protect Veterans from fraudsters and scammers,” stated Rohit Chopra, Director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, CFPB, noting the importance of this collaboration.
“The White House’s scam and fraud evasion campaign has provided the Department of Defense an opportunity to connect with twenty-six federal agencies to coordinate, collaborate and create long term partnerships to identify and prevent scams and fraud,” added Ashish Vazirani, Performing the Duties of the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness.
The Department of Education is also actively involved in protecting Veterans and Service Members from fraud in federal student aid programs.
“Under President Biden, the Department of Education has taken seriously its role in preventing and responding to scams and fraud targeting Service Members, Veterans, and their families in the federal student aid programs,” explained Under Secretary of Education James Kvaal.
In addition to VSAFE.gov and the call center, the VA is running a strategic communications campaign to raise awareness about fraud risks. This includes sending cease and desist letters to predatory actors and providing a Veteran fraud protection resource kit.
“Partnerships exponentially increase public awareness and significantly help to combat scams and fraud,” stated Acting Social Security Administration Inspector General Michelle Anderson.
Veterans are encouraged to take advantage of these new resources and to remember that they can apply for VA health care or benefits directly through VA.gov or with a VA-accredited service representative at no cost.
“By collaborating to create a centralized hub for fraud prevention resources, we’re ensuring Veterans, Service Members, their families, caregivers, and survivors get the access to the help they need right when they need it,” FTC Bureau of Consumer Protection Director Samuel Levine pointed out.
Author: Rikki Almanza
Rikki is a Web Content Coordinator for the American Legion, Department of California. With a deep-rooted connection to the military, a spouse who is a Navy veteran, a father who served in the Air Force for 25 years, and a grandfather who proudly served, Rikki is committed to using her skills and knowledge to provide valuable assistance and resources to servicemembers and veterans.