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Beware of Covid-19 Scams

COVID-19 Fraud Resources

We are sharing this information to ensure that you are aware that criminals are attempting to exploit COVID-19 worldwide through a variety of scams. There have been reports of:

Individuals and businesses selling fake cures for COVID-19 online and engaging in other forms of fraud

Phishing emails from entities posing as the World Health Organization or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Malicious websites and apps that appear to share virus-related information to gain and lock access to your devices until payment is received.

Seeking donations fraudulently for illegitimate or non-existent charitable organizations.

Criminals will likely continue to use new methods to exploit COVID-19 worldwide.

If you think you are a victim of a scam or attempted fraud involving COVID-19, you can report it without leaving your home through a number of platforms. Go to:

Contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via email at disaster@leo.gov

Report it to the FBI at tips.fbi.gov

If it’s a cyber scam, submit your complaint through https://www.ic3.gov/default.aspx

What the Federal Tade Commission is doing: https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/features/coronavirus-scams-what-ftc-doing

Senators Urging VA -Make Sure All VA Beneficiaries get Relief Checks

As reported April 3 by Abbie Bennett for Connectingvets.com, leading Veterans Affairs lawmakers in the Senate and top national Veteran Service Organizations are calling on the VA to ensure that all eligible veterans can receive federal relief checks during the coronavirus pandemic. Senators Jerry Moran (R-KS) and Jon Tester (D-MT) who lead the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, urged the VA Under Secretary for Benefits Dr. Paul Lawrence to create a plan between VA and the IRS to ensure veterans and other VA beneficiaries who don’t have to file tax returns still get the checks without additional red tape.

Message from VVA President

Dear VVA members,

Our country is in the midst of an unprecedented global COVID-19 pandemic with unpredictable challenges ahead. The Vietnam Veterans of America maintains our commitment to supporting our community and providing timely resources for our members, supporters, and veterans of all generations.

Today we are urging you and your families to stay informed by visiting the CDC and VA websites. Please abide by all recommended precautionary measures to reduce the spread of the virus:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Website Link

U.S. Department of Veteran’s Affairs Website Link

Elderly individuals (particularly over 70) are at greatest during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Other at-risk groups include those who have chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, chronic kidney disease, cancer, and lung disease. Due to toxic exposures associated with military service such as Agent Orange, many of VVA’s members have comorbidities which make them susceptible to the most severe complications or death if they contract the virus.

We encourage each of you to create your plan now—ahead of time—in case you or someone close to you begins to exhibit symptoms.

If you suspect that you may have contracted COVID-19 and are experiencing respiratory distress or flu-like symptoms, please CALL BEFORE YOU VISIT your local VA medical center or clinic to receive instructions.

Do not just show up unannounced at the medical facility as you may be a risk to others.

There’s no doubt everyone is experiencing the unexpected across the globe. We hope that you and your loved ones stay safe and healthy—please look after yourselves and each other.

John Rowan
VVA National President
and proud Vietnam Veteran

VA VAntage Point News

VA national cemeteries adjusts operations in response to COVID-19

03/23/2020 02:06 PM EDT

All VA national cemeteries are open and will continue to provide interments for Veterans and eligible individuals. However, effective March 23 — as part of the agency’s response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) — committal services and the rendering of military funeral honors will discontinue until further notice. [From VAntage Point]

Veterans’ GI Bill benefits to continue during COVID-19 pandemic

03/23/2020 02:00 PM EDT

Student Veterans will continue to receive their GI Bill benefits under S. 3503, which President Trump signed into law March 21. The law enables VA to continue providing the same level of education benefits to students having to take courses online due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. [From VAntage Point]

Update Montana VA Health Care System

Situation Update – Montana VA Health Care System

03/23/2020 06:16 PM EDT

VA has a comprehensive plan in place to protect the health of everyone who receives care or works at one of our facilities. Using an abundance of caution, all VA medical facilities are implementing screening measures for signs of respiratory illness and exposure to COVID-19. This protocol will be in place until further notice. Onsite, we will use standardized screening questions at strategic entry points. Please arrive 30 minutes early for your appointment and please come alone unless you need assistance from a direct caregiver and/or it is medically necessary. No one under the age of 18 will be permitted in any VA facility or clinic, and visitation is limited. Exceptions will be made on a case by case basis. We appreciate your cooperation and patience during this time. More information.

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