MEDIA RELEASE

                                                                                                                                                           

                                                                                                             Thursday, 26 August 2010 

 

VETERANS WARNED OF POTENTIAL SCAMS

 

Veterans have been targeted 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 exchange for new government services such as free electricity or pension benefits. In some cases these people posed as officers from DVA.

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

“Veterans in Queensland and Victoria have been most recently targeted however veterans across the country should be aware of the potential scams.

“I urge the veteran community to exercise caution when asked to release personal details.

-       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 (for metropolitan callers) or 1800 555 254 (for non-metropolitan callers) to confirm the source is legitimate.

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

The Government’s Scamwatch website – www.scamwatch.gov.au – contains useful information on how to protect your privacy.

MEDIA INQUIRIES:  DVA media 02 6289 6203