Scammers target GI Bill beneficiaries

SCAM ALERT

There is a known marketing scam targeting callers trying to reach the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) National Call Center or GI Bill Call Center. A company has established two fraudulent numbers that differ from the two official VA call center numbers by one digit. If the fraudulent number is dialed by mistake, the answering party will offer a gift card and try to obtain personal and financial information, including credit card information, from the caller. The answering party may even transfer the caller to the VA after the caller’s information is obtained.

The numbers to be avoided are:

• 800-872-1000 (the real VA National Call Center number is 800-827-1000)
• 888-442-4511 (the real VA GI Bill Call Center number is 888-442-4551)

The VA has notified law enforcement authorities to address this situation and will provide additional information and guidance as necessary.