Rep. George Whitesides Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Support Veteran Scam Victims

This bill would create a non-profit organization focused on supporting veterans and their beneficiaries who fall victim to scams

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Rep. George Whitesides (CA-27), Rep. Jefferson Shreve (IN-06), and Rep. Austin Scott (GA-08) announced their introduction of the Veteran Scam Victim Foundation Act, legislation that would establish a foundation to direct charitable contributions to assist veterans and their beneficiaries who fall victim to financial exploitation and support the Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) scam prevention education and victim services initiatives.

"After sacrificing their lives for our country, it is unconscionable that veterans and their beneficiaries have become the target of sophisticated scammers worldwide," said Rep. Whitesides. "Veterans deserve to know that their hard-earned benefits will be protected and preserved, and I hope this bill will provide financial and educational assistance to everyone who might fall victim to exploitation."

"Our veterans answered the call to serve our country. When they return home, we owe them more than gratitude," said Rep. Shreve. "Scammers are targeting the men and women who sacrificed for our freedoms. The Veteran Scam Victims Foundation Act gives veterans the tools and support they need to fight back. I'm honored to co-lead this legislation with Rep. George Whitesides of California and stand up for those who stood up for us."

"We have a duty to defend our veterans from criminal fraudsters that seek to take advantage of those that have sacrificed so much for our country. The Veteran Scam Victim Foundation Act is an opportunity to do that. I am proud to co-lead this legislation," said Rep. Scott.

Veterans face higher individual losses than the average American consumer, reporting a median fraud loss of $700. Veterans, their beneficiaries, service members, and National Guard personnel reported losing $584 million to scams in 2024, a 25% increase from the previous year.

Currently, the VA educates veterans about common and new scams targeting veterans but doesn't have the resources to take significant preventative actions. In addition to establishing a non-profit foundation, this bill would open additional support for current and future VA efforts to best prevent veterans and their beneficiaries from becoming victims of scams and protect them from fraudulent activities.

The Veteran Scam Victims Foundation Act would:

• Establish a non-profit foundation to support scam prevention initiatives for veterans and their beneficiaries;
• Support the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in their scam prevention, victim support, and educational efforts.

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