Stefanik, Bost introduce federal legislation to crack down on scams against Veterans

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Over 70,000 reports of fraud against U.S. Veterans were field with the Federal Trade Commission in 2022 and to combat the issue, federal legislation has been proposed by North Country Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R-NY-21). 

“This bill will provide our veterans with consistent guidance on identifying, reporting, and avoiding fraud and scam attempts. Our veterans have sacrificed so much to protect our country and my duty in Congress is to bring their concerns to the highest levels of government," she said.

The Veterans Scam and Fraud Evasion Act is also sponsored by Congressman Mike Bost (R-IL).

"I look forward to considering this important bill in Committee soon,” Bost said. 

According to Stefanik's office, this legislation will enable a comprehensive effort that will greatly benefit Veterans by establishing a Veterans Scam and Fraud Evasion Officer in the Department of Veterans Affairs who is responsible for all fraud prevention efforts.

This will provide our veterans with consistent guidance on how to identify, report, and avoid fraud and scam attempts.

Additionally, this bill promotes identity theft resources, calls on the VA to develop training plans to effectively field fraud and scam inquiries, and enables coordination with other federal departments, agencies, and Veteran Service Officers for a whole-of-government approach to fraud prevention.

Elise Stefanik image.