The Kettering Police Department (KPD) warned local residents of scam text messages. Sent out on Feb. 4, these messages specifically target veterans.
A Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) 10 facility received multiple calls from veterans who received text messages claiming to be from Veterans Affairs (VA) asking them to update their personal information.
The message included a link that directed veterans to an official looking page, which in reality was a scam. Local police were notified, including Eric Kuhlman, Lieutenant of the Springboro Police Department.
“This text is going to fool a lot of people, if you get any reports or you are a veteran using the VA. I know three people personally who got this text and luckily ignored it,” Kuhlman said.
This is not the first time veterans have been targeted. According to a study done by the American Association of Retired Persons, 27% of veterans have lost money due to a scam.
Sheri Sword, the Vice President of Communications for the Better Business Bureau (BBB) of Dayton, shared why this is more of a common occurrence for veterans.
“Scammers typically exploit veterans' benefits and trust by impersonating VA officials. Scammers also target veterans because they often have a stable income. Veterans also are often in life transitions that leave them vulnerable, such as relocating and returning to civilian life,” Sword said.
Members of the BBB work with other government agencies, are offered training on scams and have a website to monitor scams in the public and analyze the trends. They are very knowledgeable about scams and are a great resource for veterans to use if they are not sure if a message is real or not. They also have many tips for how veterans can better protect themselves in the future.
The BBB recommends veterans be wary of requests for payment, urgent or threatening language, unusual communication channels, requests for sensitive information, suspicious links or poor quality.
“Scam victims, including veterans, are often embarrassed to admit they’ve been scammed. The scams they fall victim to can empty their retirement savings, put them in debt and induce fear that they’ll lose their independence,” Sword said.
It is important that veterans feel safe and protected, after fighting for our country. Resources such as the BBB, or the WSU Veterans Business Center, are great ways for veterans to stay connected in the community and prepare themselves for any future scams.
The BBB will be partnering with WSU this May for a “Vets Moving Forward” event. The purpose of this annual event is to connect veterans with resource organizations and jobs in the Great Miami Valley region. You can find more information about the event here.
