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VA hospital warns vets about scams

By Regina Ford

Published: Tuesday, August 14, 2007 9:50 PM MST

The Southern Arizona VA Healthcare System in Tucson has recently become aware of possible scams being directed at veterans throughout Southern Arizona.

SAVACHS assistant public affairs officer, Pep/ Mendoza, warned veterans to be cautious of bogus solicitations.

“If you or your family are contacted by a representative claiming to be from the VA, or veterans group,” Mendoza said, “and you suspect that the group is bogus and asking for a monetary donation, or offering a ‘special veterans rate’ for some service being rendered or needing updates that require a social security number, do not give this information.

“Do not give personal information related to your social security number, bank account, or credit card numbers to anyone soliciting funds for their veteran activities or organizations,” she continued.

Mendoza offered these guidelines:

Ask for and write down the name of the caller and the name of the veteran’s organization they say they are representing.

Ask for and write down the address and phone number of the caller and the organization you are familiar they claim to be representing.

Find out if the group is endorsed by a national veteran’s organization you are familiar with. If so, contact that organization and ask them if they endorse this telemarketing organization.

If the call is about a fundraising campaign, ask who is sponsoring it. Get the name and phone number of that organization and call them to verify.

“You might also want to know how they got your phone number and/or address, but don’t count on a truthful answer,” Mendoza adds. “Even after getting this information, if you feel uncomfortable about the donation or the information asked—don’t give it out.”

“If an individual is saying they are representing the Veterans Administration, they will not be asking any Privacy Act information because they already have that information,“ he says. “This should be your ‘red flag’ to not furnish any personal information.”

Mendoza offers suggestions about who to call about questionable donations requests or other offers:

Better Business Bureau (toll free, 1-800-696-2827) or (520) 888-5353.

Arizona State Veterans Commission Office at (602) 255-3373. Mendoza says they have a complete list of all valid and appointed national service officers and department service officers who could tell you if the request is valid or non-valid if it is related to their respective organization.

If the caller says he or she is representing the VA, check the VA Web site to ensure it is a factual group at http:iris.va.gov/scripts/iris.cfg/php.exe/enduser/home.php.

rford@gvnews.com


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