An unknown party has set up a phone line that may be intended to deceptively reach veterans trying to contact the Veterans Choice Program, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Veterans attempting to reach the VA program that allows them to receive health care in their own communities, may be mistakenly calling a “mimic” phone line, which is an 800 number, rather than the correct toll free line that features an 866 area code.
“We urge all Maine veterans to take extra care when dialing the Veterans Choice Program phone line and to ensure they have the correct number so they are not at risk,” U.S. Sens. Susan Collins and Angus King and Reps. Chellie Pingree and Bruce Poliquin said in a joint press release on Tuesday. “It is critical that people throughout the community are aware of these malicious attempts to steal personal information and money from our nation’s veterans, and we encourage Maine people to share this information so that no veterans fall victim to this despicable trap.”
According to the VA, veterans should realize they have reached the wrong number when:
— the phone line offers a $100 rebate if the caller provides a credit card number.
— the phone line does not state the caller has reached the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or the VCP phone line. (If asked, however, be aware that the person on the end of the line incorrectly confirms callers have reached the VCP.)
“We want you to know that we are taking this seriously and to keep you aware of the steps we are taking,” according to a press release from the VA’s Office of Community Care, which adds that the agency has contacted the VA Office of Inspector General for a possible civil or criminal investigation.
For more information about the Veterans Choice Program, visit: www.va.gov/opa/choiceact, or call 1-866-606-8198.
