WashingtonExaminer

The Department of Veterans Affairs predicts it will have a $15 billion budget shortfall, which would put disability, medical, and benefit payments to over 7 million veterans and survivors at risk. The shortfall is attributed to an increase in filing prompted by the PACT Act. For this year, the DVA expects to be $2.9 billion […]

Millions of veteran benefits at risk as VA deals with predicted $15 billion budget shortfall

FinanceBuzz

Are you vulnerable to text message scams? Here are seven popular financial scam messages circulating today that you'll want to delete immediately.

These 7 Text Messages Are Almost Always Financial Scams

Now, hackers and scammers could be looking for just your phone number. It’s called “port-out hijacking” or “SIM-swapping,” and it’s been a nightmare for those who’ve fallen victim to it. In one instance, someone received an email notification from their bank that a hacker was trying to transfer $20K from their credit card to an “unfamiliar Discover Bank account.” Once that was resolved, days later, another attempt to score $19K to that same account was attempted. In this lesser-known form of identity theft, the hackers take over your phone number, so even calls and text go directly to them…and not to you. In this type of hack, even two-factor authentication can be used against you. These scams are only going to increase, but you can still be proactive in protecting yourself by regularly changing passwords, signing out of apps that you’re not currently using, and being diligent about keeping your personal information off the internet. According to the FBI, complaints regarding “SIM-swapping” have increased 400% between 2018 and 2021 and have caused over $68 million in personal losses to the victims.

How Phone Number Theft Can Be Your Latest Scamming Nightmare

Business Insider

Nancy Pelosi was asked if Donald Trump had messed up in selecting JD Vance. She responded by   calling it a "great choice" and laughing.

Nancy Pelosi burst out laughing after being asked if Trump screwed up by picking JD Vance

Jacksonville, FL

Contributors represent independent, third-party users who have joined our contributor program and self-verified their accounts. They have also demonstrated their experience writing hard news for other outlets. Contributors are expected, like all users, to adhere to our Community Standards.

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Jacksonville Today

A former Jacksonville police officer pleaded guilty Tuesday to enticement of a minor to engage in unlawful sexual activity, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Josue Garriga III, 34, faces a mandatory penalty of 10 years to life in federal prison and must register as a sex offender. A sentencing date has not been set.

Former cop pleads guilty to enticing 17-year-old girl

Military.com

Some veterans who received bonuses from the Defense Department to leave the service are learning they have to pay back the money if they are awarded Veterans Affairs disability compensation.

VA's Threat to Withhold Disability Checks Over Decades-Old Separation Pay Surprises Vets

Fox News

Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson explains why scam phone calls may get through to your phone number even if you've registered with a Do Not Call list.

The Do Not Call list loophole: Why your phone still won't stop ringing

The US Sun

THOUSANDS of people across the country are eligible for a one-time payment after a settlement has been reached in a lawsuit. A data breach in 2021 impacted over 710,000 Americans who were connected to the eye-care provider Nationwide Vision and Vision plan provider Sightcare. In agreeing to a $3.45 million...

Americans to get $300 payment from $3.45m pot after company ‘failed to protect them’ – certain customers will get $5,400

“I am worried about a phone call I received from someone claiming to be from Medicare who had my personal information and was verifying it. The caller mentioned that I would receive a new plastic Medicare card with a chip the following day. It has now been over a week, and I still haven’t received the card. I think I may have made a serious mistake by confirming my details and responding to the questions the caller posed to me. What steps should I take or whom should I contact to verify if this was a legitimate communication from Medicare?” – Jeanette.

Latest Medicare Scam Targeting Seniors

Ever wondered what the Secret Service does beyond protecting the President? This elite agency, often shrouded in mystery, has a rich history and a wide range of responsibilities. From its origins in the aftermath of the Civil War to its modern-day operations, the Secret Service plays a crucial role in national security. Did you know the Secret Service was originally created to combat counterfeit currency? Over time, its duties expanded to include safeguarding national leaders and investigating financial crimes. Curious about the training agents undergo or the technology they use? This blog post will dive into 35 intriguing facts about the Secret Service, shedding light on its lesser-known aspects and surprising history. Get ready to uncover the secrets behind the Secret Service!

35 Facts About Secret Service

Pittsburgh, PA

JULY 22, 2024 – Beginning in 2026, the legacy Uniformed Services Identification (USID) card will no longer be accepted for access to benefits, privileges, or DoD bases. According to the DoD Common Access Card website, USID cards are issued to retired military and Reserve members, dependent family members of uniformed Service members, and other eligible individuals in accordance with DoD policy. On July 31, 2020, the DoD started issuing the Next Generation USID cards at select DoD ID card facilities with a phased implementation for all facilities which was completed in December that year.

DoD Requiring New ID for Retired Military

Senior citizens are often targets for scams, and as scams are getting more sophisticated, it’s getting easier to deceive even the most tech-savvy person. Elder fraud involves a variety of scams targeting seniors, from fake prizes to pleas for help from their “grandchildren,” resulting in an annual loss of $3 billion, according to the FBI. Seniors are often targeted due to their good credit, financial security, and trusting nature. Here are the top elderly fraud scams of the year:

Top 12 elderly fraud scams of 2024

Georgia State

Douglas, GA

Daily Coffee Press

Last week, a 32-year-old was arrested on trafficking charges after allegedly fleeing from a traffic stop and abandoning the vehicle with a child in the passenger seat. The chase resulted in the discovery of 230 grams of methamphetamine, which the suspect allegedly threw out while fleeing on foot. According to local detectives, the vehicle the suspect was driving was registered to NFL football player Tyreek Hill.

Man Driving Vehicle Registered to Tyreek Hill Arrested on Drug Trafficking Charges in Douglas

EDINA, MN – Scammers are now creating fake QR codes to trick unsuspecting individuals. Here’s how you can stay safe and avoid falling for this new scam. During the pandemic, QR codes became a convenient tool for contactless transactions. People used them to order food, pay for parking, and redeem offers. These codes became a part of our daily routines, and naturally, scammers took notice.

QR CODE SCAM ALERT! How Scammers Are Stealing Your Info With A Simple Scan!

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has become aware of a phishing scam and is warning those who might be affected. In a message sent on its website, FMCSA stated that “an email is being sent to registered entities by someone pretending to be FMCSA and requesting that you complete attached forms, which ask for a social security number and a USDOT PIN.

SCAM ALERT: FMCSA warns of phishing emails

With the emergence of AI and other new technologies, people have become more susceptible to scams online, especially older people. Seniors are targeted by scammers due to their little knowledge of the internet, so here are five scams that older people should look out for. If someone calls you claiming to be a government department and is asking for money, you should hang up, as that isn’t standard procedure and is likely a scam. While it may be a dream come true to receive a call telling you that you won the lottery, it is definitely a scam and you should hang up. If you receive an email that claims to be from Amazon and is asking for personal information, check the email address it comes from. Some scammers will ring you and say, “Can you hear me?” and while you may reply "yes," you should try not to, as they are recording your voice. Lastly, if you get a message from someone claiming to be a relative who is asking for money, make sure you verify the number.

5 Scams That Seniors Need To Avoid

NewsNation

To replace a Social Security card, visit the SSN and Card site to start or complete your application online.

How to get a replacement Social Security card?

Ocilla, GA

Last Thursday, agents from the South Central Drug Task Force (SCDTF) made an arrest following a successful execution of a search warrant at a residence in Ocilla. According to officials, the search yielded a significant quantity of drugs, including tablets suspected to contain fentanyl, associated with a criminal street gang.

Successful Drug Bust in Ocilla Leads to Arrest Linked to 'Local Criminal Street Gang'

Chicago, IL

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Foodie in Chicago

Shortly before 3 AM, people in the Chicago area may have felt their houses shake as a 3.4-magnitude earthquake occurred about 60 miles west of the city. (CHICAGO) The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported a 3.4-magnitude earthquake around Somonauk, IL. Somonauk is in DeKalb and LaSalle Counties, 64 miles west of Chicago.

Did You Feel the Earthquake?

Florida State

Edmond Thorne

The Florida AG Opened an Investigation into Complaints of Publix Price Gouging in April 2020. Now Publix is Caught Up Again As A Major Southeastern Grocer In A New FTC Pricing Investigation.

Publix & Other Grocers Now Being Investigated by FTC For Price Gouging After Customer Complaints

NewsBreak

VA announces new website, call line to protect veterans from scams

(TND) — Veterans and their families have a new government-wide website meant to protect them from fraud and scams. The Veterans Affairs Department announced the launch...

VA announces new website, call line to protect veterans from scams

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