Digital Literacy and Scam Vulnerability Among Veterans

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Navigating scams and cybercrime can be complex, but we're here to help. Our professionals are available to guide you through the necessary steps to reach the appropriate authorities and answer any questions you may have. Each situation is unique and requires personalized attention. We assist in monitoring and ensuring the appropriate actions are taken before, during, and after an attack or scam. 

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• What they are: Fraudulent emails, text messages, or websites designed to look like they’re from trusted organizations (banks, government agencies, etc.).
   
• Red flags: Urgent requests for personal data, unexpected account alerts, or links that lead to suspicious websites.

• Example:  You’ll get an email or text message that looks like it is from a company (a bank or a shipping company) or the government, but is actually a trick to get you to provide information about yourself. Scammers may say, for example, that they are concerned about some activity on your account or that they need to double check some information, such as your username and password, your Social Security number, or a credit card number. Scammers will use that information to take your money or open accounts or seek benefits in your name.
   

• What they are: Scammers call or send pop-up alerts claiming there’s an issue with your computer. They may ask for remote access or payment for “repairs.”
   
• Red flags: Unsolicited contact from “tech support,” especially if you haven’t reported a problem.

• Example:  You get a pop-up on your computer or a phone call or email saying that you have a problem with your computer. The scammers may pretend to be from a well-known company. Then scammers will ask to “remote” into your computer, meaning they can access and control your computer. Scammers will tell you there is a problem that needs fixing immediately and tell you to pay a fee. At times, scammers will also pretend to offer you a refund. They will pretend to refund you too much money ($4500 instead of $450) and ask you to return the difference.
   

• What they are: Fraudsters build emotional connections through online dating or social media, eventually asking for money under various pretenses.
   
• Red flags: Requests for money early in a relationship or claims of a personal crisis that only financial help can solve.

• Example:  Someone contacts you online, maybe through a dating website, an online game, or social media. These scammers pretend to be someone they are not so they can gain your trust and then ask you for money. The scammer will tell you they’ve fallen in love, but have some reason they can’t meet in person. The scammer will start asking you to send money so they can meet you, deal with an emergency, start a business, or help you "invest", sometimes in cryptocurrency.
   

• What they are: Victims are informed they’ve won a prize but must pay a fee or provide personal information to claim it.
   
• Red flags: Unexpected wins and demands for advance payments.

• Example:  Someone contacts you and says that you’ve won a sweepstakes, lottery prize, or gift. At times, scammers will even pretend to be a government agency helping to make sure you get your winnings. But the catch is you must pay a fee to obtain your winnings, and then you never receive a prize or gift.
   

• What they are: Promises of high returns with little to no risk, often involving new or complex financial instruments like cryptocurrencies.
   
• Red flags: Pressure to invest quickly, lack of verifiable details, and guarantees of high profits. 

• Example:  Someone offers you one of the best investment chances you’ve ever seen. Scammers trick you into putting your money in stocks, cryptocurrency, real estate, or many other things. Scammers promise big returns on your investment with little or no risk. At times, a scammer may even show you a fake statement that makes it look like your investment is doing well or even send you some money to get you to pay more.
   

• What they are: Targeted scams aimed at businesses where attackers impersonate company executives or vendors to trick employees into transferring funds or other improper activity.
   
• Red flags: Unusual requests for payment changes or urgent financial transfers, often communicated via email.
   

• What they are: Scammers pretend to be from government agencies (like the IRS or local law enforcement) or other trusted entities to scare victims into paying money or sharing sensitive information.
   
• Red flags: Threats of arrest or legal action if immediate payment isn’t made.

• Example:  Someone contacts you and pretends to be from the government (such as the Social Security Administration, IRS, or the police), or a company (such a bank or online company). Scammers will tell you there is a serious problem with your account or benefits, or that you are a suspect in a crime. They may warn you that your benefits are being stopped, that you’ll be arrested, or that your money is not safe. A scammer will tell you the way to fix this problem is to pay money or move your money to a “safe” account the scammer provides you.
   

• What they are: Fraudulent websites or listings that offer goods at incredibly low prices to lure buyers into paying for products that never arrive.
   
• Red flags: Deals that seem too good to be true, untraceable payment methods, and websites with poor reviews or unverifiable contact details.

• What they are: Scammers steal personal information—such as Social Security numbers, credit card details, or login credentials—to commit fraud. They might open new accounts, make unauthorized purchases, or use your identity in other illegal ways.
   
• Red flags: Unexplained changes in your credit report, alerts from banks about unusual account activity, or unexpected credit inquiries.

• Organizations worth checking out:  This is not a comprehensive list.  If you choose to reach out to one of the following or an organization you know and/or family/friends recommend, always approach with caution. 
  • Identity Theft Resource Center: https://www.idtheftcenter.org/
  • Fight Cyber Crime: https://fightcybercrime.org/
  • IRS - Avoid IRS-Related Scams: https://www.tigta.gov/irs-scam-resources
  • IRS - Recognize tax scams and fraud: https://www.irs.gov/help/tax-scams/recognize-tax-scams-and-fraud
  • State Consumer Protection Offices: https://www.usa.gov/state-consumer
  • FTC - Consumer Advice: https://consumer.ftc.gov/
  • SEC - Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) - Protect Your Money: https://www.finra.org/investors/protect-your-money
  • CFTC - Commodity Futures Trading Commission - Learn & Protect: https://www.cftc.gov/LearnAndProtect
  • SEC - Check Out Your Invest Professional: https://www.investor.gov/introduction-investing/getting-started/working-investment-professional/check-out-your-investment
  • Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: https://www.consumerfinance.gov/complaint/

• To report a phishing URL to Google: Report Phishing Page
• To report a malware URL to Google: Report Malware or Malicious Software
• To report a spammy, deceptive, or low-quality webpage to Google: Report Spam
• To report fraud to the Federal Trade Commision: https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/
• To report fraud to the IRS: https://www.tigta.gov/reportcrime-misconduct
• To report fraud to the SEC: https://www.sec.gov/submit-tip-or-complaint/tips-complaints-resources/report-suspected-securities-fraud-or-wrongdoing
• To report fraud to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: https://www.consumerfinance.gov/complaint/

• Don't be embarrassed to ask for help if you need it. Even the world's top cybersecurity experts can fall victim to scams. You're not alone! By reporting and filing complaints, you'll receive guidance on the next steps to take and help others who might be in similar situations. 
• ALL Online Scams - Internet Crime Complaint Center IC3: IC3.GOV
• ALL Online Scams - Contact your local FBI field office ASAP: FBI Field Offices

1. Identity Theft: If someone has stolen your personal information to commit fraud.
2. Online Scams: This includes phishing, fake websites, and fraudulent online sales.
3. Fraudulent Business Practices: Such as false advertising or deceptive marketing.
4. Privacy Violations: If a company has mishandled your personal data.
5. Imposter Scams: When someone pretends to be a government official, tech support, or another trusted entity to steal your money or information

Internet Crime Complaint Center IC3: IC3.GOV

Contact your local FBI field office ASAP: FBI Field Offices

Report your situation to the IdentityTheft.GOV: IDENTITYTHEFT.GOV

Report your situation to the Federal Trade Commission: FTC Report Fraud

• Freeze your credit: Placing a credit freeze is one of the most effective steps you can take to prevent identity theft. Frozen Pii offers a free service that simplifies the process of protecting yourself with a credit freeze.
  • https://frozenpii.com/

• Gather Documents: Ensure you collect all relevant documents, including the source of the breach if available, and any of the following: 
  • FTC/Police identity theft report
  • Copy of the credit report that shows fraudulent accounts opened in your name
  • Data breach notice

• Beware of Recovery Services Scams: While seeking help to recover from identity theft or fraud, be cautious of recovery services that may be scams themselves. These fraudulent services can promise to help you but instead, they might steal more of your personal information or money, leaving you in an even worse situation. Always verify the legitimacy of any recovery service before sharing your details or making payments. Remember, legitimate organizations will never pressure you or ask for sensitive information upfront. Stay vigilant and protect yourself from further harm. 

• National Elder Fraud Hotline
  1-833-FRAUD-11 (833-372-8311)
  10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Eastern Time
  Monday - Friday
• Eldercare Locator helpline
  1-800-677-1116
• The National Adult Protective Services Association (NAPSA)
  https://www.napsa-now.org/help-in-your-area
  1-202-370-6292
  9am – 5pm Eastern Time
  Monday - Friday
• U.S. Department of Justice
  Elder Justice Initiative - https://www.justice.gov/elderjustice
  Senior Scam Alert - https://www.justice.gov/elderjustice/senior-scam-alert
• Social Security Administration
  Report Social Security Scams - https://www.ssa.gov/scam/
  Office of the Inspector General for Fraud - https://oig.ssa.gov/report/
• AARP
  AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline - 1-877-908-3360
      Monday - Friday 8am - 8 pm Eastern Time
  AARP Fraud Watch Network - https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/
  AARP Scam Reporting - https://www.aarp.org/forms/scam-map-form-page/
  AARP Scam Tracking Map - https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/tracking-map/?intcmp=AE-SCM-FRD-SUBNAV-MAP
•  Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA)
  Securities Helpline for Seniors: https://www.finra.org/investors/need-help/helpline-seniors
  844-57-HELPS (844-574-3577)
  Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm Eastern Time
• National Center on Law and Elder Rights
  https://ncler.acl.gov/economicsecurity#gsc.tab=0