VETERANS WARNED OF POTENTIAL SCAMS

VETERANS WARNED OF POTENTIAL SCAMS

Veterans have been approached by scam artists claiming to represent the Australian Government, Secretary of the Department of Veterans’ Affairs Mr Ian Campbell said today.

Mr Campbell said the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) had been made aware of several approaches to members of the veteran community asking for personal information in order to receive assistance under the Government’s Household Assistance Package. In some cases these people posed as officers from DVA.

“These ‘offers’ are false and my Department is investigating these incidents,” he said.

“There is no need for veterans to be asked for personal information, such as banking details, over the phone in order to receive their household assistance from the Government.

“Veterans across the country should be aware of the potential scams and be vigilant about providing their personal information over the phone.

- Be cautious about when and to whom you release your personal information.

- If you receive a phone call or letter asking for personal information such as your DVA client number or banking details, do not answer straight away. Contact your nearest DVA office on 133 254 or 1800 555 254 from regional Australia to confirm the source is legitimate.

“It is disappointing that our veterans are being targeted by cowardly scams and I encourage members of the veteran community to contact DVA if they have any concerns,” Mr Campbell said.

Visit the Government’s Scamwatch website – www.scamwatch.gov.au – or call the hotline on 1300 795 995 for useful information on how to protect your privacy.

MEDIA INQUIRIES: DVA media 02 6289 6203 or 0428 805 578