Veterans who receive a “Choose VA” postcard in the mail over the next several weeks should not throw it away.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs says it is beginning an official nationwide mailing Thursday, August 13, targeting approximately 3.8 million veterans who are not currently enrolled in VA health care. The postcards will be mailed through September 11.

The VA says the postcards are legitimate government communications designed to help veterans learn whether they are eligible for VA health care and explain how they can enroll.

The agency is emphasizing the legitimacy of the new postcards because veterans have previously been warned about fraudulent mailings.

In particular, the VA recently issued a fraud alert concerning postcards promoting a so-called “Veterans Savings Program.” Those postcards were not sent by the VA and should be discarded. The new Choose VA postcards, however, are official communications from the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Veterans receiving a postcard should still use caution when following links or scanning QR codes. The VA recommends checking that links lead to an official VA.gov address.

Veterans interested in enrolling in VA health care can apply online through VA.gov, call the VA Health Enrollment Center at 877-222-8387, or apply in person at a VA location.

Anyone who receives a suspicious communication claiming to be associated with veterans’ benefits can report concerns through the VA’s VSAFE program.

The key message from the VA is simple: If a Choose VA postcard arrives in your mailbox, don’t automatically assume it’s a scam and throw it away. The mailing which started yesterday, August 13 is legitimate and could help eligible veterans connect with VA health care services.