A bipartisan bill recently reintroduced in the Senate would make defrauding Veterans of their benefits a federal crime. This bill would make fraudulent schemes that target Veterans benefits punishable by up to five years in prison, a fine or both.
According to data released by the FTC in February 2022, reports of fraud against Veterans, service members, and spouses jumped 69% in 2021 compared to the previous year. Veterans and military retirees reported being targeted the most with 87,343 fraud reports. The total fraud cases reported by military consumers resulted in an estimated $266 million lost.
Although fraud is already a crime, creating a new offense specifically addressing Veterans benefits fraud would give prosecutors more tools to go after criminals. This bill will be one to keep an eye on in during the current legislative session.
If you have questions about VA disability benefits, please contact the experienced Veterans’ disability attorneys at Gardberg & Kemmerly, P.C. today for a free case evaluation. Gardberg & Kemmerly serves Veterans across the United States from their home office in Mobile, Alabama. Please call our office at 251-343-1111 or 800-332-1529 for a free consultation.