too2tuff

I was hacked 2 years ago. The VBA actually called me and told me it was hacked. They knew my banking information was changed and address was changed. They attempted to stop it before the new account was paid without success. I didn't get paid. I had to lock down my osd login that accessed my ebenefits account. This has additional ramifications. I was told I can't unlock my osd login because my ebenefits account could get hacked again. The only way I got paid was to get my congressional office involved. I got paid immediately then the next month I didn't get paid. This time VBA had all kinds of excuses. Got my congressional office involved again. Got paid immediately. Didn't get paid again. This time VBA said I owed them money because they over-paid me. Remember they paid the fraudulent account not mine. So I took a trip to the VBA Regional Office and spoke with a rep. I explained what was going on and the first thing he says "oh not another one." Now my ears perk up and I just start acting dumb and ask him to explain it to me. He had my sign a couple of documents and went to the back office and talked to the finance people. Low and behold all pay issues resolved. It took 3 months to get my pay straight with help from my congressional office and an knowledgeable VBA employee. I read the article talking about the pre-paid credit cards. That may be the end result for some where their money went. The was not my case. The problem is their lack of security protocols to protect the Veteran. 2-factor authentication has been around for a decade. Why did the VA not implement that when it first came out? Especially considering the billions of dollars they pay Veterans in terms of disabilities, pensions and other benefits. For other who have this happen, go to your congressional office immediately when it happens. Don't wait for the VBA to straighten it out. Remember everything is computerized these days. The VBA can issue a check in a week. I was fortunate because I was initially informed by the VBA this happened. Once they did that I closely monitored when I was supposed to get paid. Once I didn't get paid I got the congressional office involved immediately. I have a good relation with my congressional representative. Good luck to those this happens to. This has been an on going issue of a long time.