Beware of scam

To the editor:

We recently learned about a new scam targeting military families.

Typically, the caller (youngsounding, American accent) calls a military spouse and identifies herself as a representative from the American Red Cross. The caller states that the soldier has been injured and cannot receive treatment until paperwork is completed.

In order to start treatment, the caller insists, the soldier's social security number and date of birth are required.

American Red Cross representatives typically do not contact military members' dependents directly. They almost always go through a commander or first sergeant channels.

Military family members are urged not to give out any personal information over the phone if contacted by unknown/unverified individuals.

The Red Cross does not report any type of casualty information to family members. The Department of Defense will contact families directly if their military member has been injured. Any military family members who receive such a call are urged to report it to their local Family Readiness Group or Military Personnel Flight.

Red Cross employees and volunteers do link families during emergencies, while providing emergency financial assistance, confidential counseling and community support, preparedness training for military personnel and their families and veterans' assistance. Anyone who would like more information is welcome to call me at 202-303- 4461.

Devorah Goldburg American Red Cross