"Veterans have been targeted by scam-artists claiming to represent the Australian Government," Secretary of the Department of Veterans' Affairs Ian Campbell said.

In a media statement, Mr Campbell said the Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) had been made aware of several approaches to members of the veteran community asking for personal information in exchange for new government services such as free electricity or pension benefits. In some cases these people posed as officers from DVA.

"These 'offers' are false and my Department is investigating these incidents," he said.

"Veterans in Queensland and Victoria have been most recently targeted however veterans across the country should be aware of the potential scams."

Mr Campbell said veterans must be cautious about giving personal details.

He advised the best response to any request for personal information such as your DVA client number or banking details is to contact your nearest DVA office on 1800 555 254 (for non-metropolitan callers) to confirm the source is legitimate before answering.

The website - www.scamwatch.gov.au - also contains useful information on how to protect privacy.