Veteran scam alert

The reason most scams work so well is that they are targeted towards the most vulnerable, those who don’t understand technology, re more trusting at handing over details or are most in need of the money which is usually offered. The latest scam doing the rounds is targeting veterans.

If you receive a letter or phone call from someone claiming to be from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) asking for your bank details, don’t pass them on. Scammers are believed to have located some obsolete DVA letterheads and are sending letters claiming people are eligible for a service pension and asking them to complete a form with their personal bank details.

Some veterans have also received phone calls offering a $6000 cheque and free electricity for 15 years. An inspection of the electricity box is required before the cheque is handed over, giving them access to homes across the country.

If you are contacted by someone claiming to be from the DVA, or any other organisation offering to give you money or suggesting you are eligible to claim a payment, follow it up with the organisation in question, using a main switchboard number available from Yellow Pages or similar. Never hand over personal details or use the number supplied by the person claiming to represent the organisation.

If in any doubt, contact the Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC) at www.moneysmart.gov.au.