The Veterans Protection from Fraud Act aims to increase penalties for scammers targeting Veterans. (Photo: Nick Youngson)
U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and Ted Budd (R-N.C.) have introduced a bipartisan bill, The Veterans Protection from Fraud Act, to help safeguard Veterans from fraud.
This bipartisan bill aims to toughen penalties for individuals targeting Veterans through mail fraud and similar crimes, potentially adding up to 10 more years of prison time for convicted offenders.
The act addresses the alarming trend of Veterans being disproportionately targeted by various fraudulent schemes, including robocalls, spam messages, and scam solicitations. When compared to the average American, Veterans also face a higher risk of falling victim to these scams, often due to their complexity.
Senator Cortez Masto emphasized the necessity of shielding Veterans from scams, considering the sacrifices they have made for the country.
Cortez Masto’s background as the former top law enforcement official in Nevada has positioned her as a leading advocate for consumer protection from fraud. She has consistently pursued measures to crack down on schemes targeting Veterans and has succeeded in passing critical legislation. These accomplishments include the PACT Act, which ensures combat Veterans suffering from toxic exposure receive health benefits, and the Brian Neuman VA Clothing Allowance Improvement Act, which removes barriers for Veterans accessing their rightful benefits.
Echoing similar sentiments, Senator Budd expressed his disdain for defrauding Veterans and stressed the need for severe punishment to serve as a deterrent to potential perpetrators. By increasing the penalties for fraud targeting Veterans, including offenses such as mail fraud, general fraudulent schemes, and more, the bill sends a powerful message that such behavior will not be tolerated.
The Veterans Protection from Fraud Act has gained broad support from various Veterans service organizations, including AARP, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Disabled American Veterans, and other groups. These organizations recognize the need to tackle Veteran-targeted scams and have united to endorse the proposed bill.
The bipartisan Veterans Protection from Fraud Act brings renewed hope for safeguarding the interests of Veterans and curbing the prevalence of scams targeting them. As the bill progresses through the legislative process, it is expected to make a substantial impact in protecting those who have selflessly served their country. With support from both sides and several Veteran service organizations, this legislation stands a strong chance of becoming a pivotal step in the fight against Veteran-targeted fraud.
Author: Rikki Almanza
Rikki is a Web Content Coordinator for the American Legion, Department of California. With a deep-rooted connection to the military, a spouse who is a Navy veteran, a father who served in the Air Force for 25 years, and a grandfather who proudly served, Rikki is committed to using her skills and knowledge to provide valuable assistance and resources to servicemembers and veterans.