VA issues warning about phone scam targeting Veterans Choice Program
June 06, 2017
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) warned veterans to be aware of a national scam in which impostors attempt to steal personal information by imitating a VA phone line.
The scam targets veterans who inadvertently dial the wrong phone number while trying to call the Veterans Choice Program. VA officials cautioned that the only difference between the real phone number and the scam hotline is two digits of the area code. While the Veterans Choice Program phone number is 1-866-606-8198, the fake number replaces 866 with 800.
The VA pointed out several ways for callers to identify whether they have dialed the correct phone number. Officials said the imposter hotline will not provide any information about the Veterans Choice Program and its eligibility requirements. Instead, it will offer the caller a $100 rebate in exchange for their credit card details.
In addition, the real Veterans Choice Program hotline greets callers with a voice that automatically states they have reached the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The VA said veterans who suspect they may have called the wrong number should hang up and dial 1-866-606-8198.
The Veterans Choice Program was established in 2014 to help veterans find community-based care if VA wait times are too long or if they live far away from a VA facility. The hotline allows them to ask questions and check their eligibility for the program.
The VA is currently working with the Office of the Inspector General to shut down the fake phone line. It is not known who is behind the scam.