Scammers have set up a phony telephone line which is nearly identical to the phone number for the Veterans Choice Program.
The only difference is the prefix, according to the F.T.C.
1-866 is correct, but if you mistakenly dial 1-800 you get a message stating you are entitled to a retail rebate of $100.
The scammers then ask for your credit card information and charge your card — there is no rebate, according to the F.T.C.
Crystal Young of Dayton has two sons in the military, and calls this scam horrible.
“If somebody was to do that to them it would just be really devastating,” said Young.
Better Business Bureau President and CEO, John North, says you should be wary of any rebate offers over the phone.
“Know that the government is not going to be offering those kinds of incentives for you to sign up for their programs,” said North.
For those wanting information about the Veterans Choice Program, which allows certain eligible veterans to use health care providers outside of the VA system, the correct number is 1-866-606-8198.
Rachel Murray is a WHIO-TV consumer reporter. You can watch her reports on News Center 7, follow her on Twitter @RMurrayWHIO, and like her fan page on Facebook.
About the Author