The Federal Trade Commission cautioned U.S. veterans last week to be on the lookout for scams after a recent data breach at the Department of Veterans Affairs.
The agency is advising veterans to keep their eye on credit card numbers, bank account information, Social Security numbers, passwords and other sensitive information. The FTC specifically warned against e-mail phishing scams.
Some tips for veterans and their families:
· Do not give out your personal information over the phone, through the mail or over the Internet unless initiating the contact and you know who you are dealing with.
· Never click on links sent in unsolicited e-mails. Instead, type in a Web address you know.
· The VA, other government agencies and legitimate businesses do not contact people by e-mail or telephone either to ask them for – or to confirm – Social Security numbers or other personal information.
