Capital District Times

Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Elise Stefanik recently advocated for her bill, the Veterans Scam and Fraud Evasion (V-SAFE) Act, before the Veterans’ Affairs Committee’s Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations. During the hearing, Congresswoman Stefanik highlighted the importance of passing the V-SAFE Act to protect veterans from fraudulent attacks that threaten their well-being.

Addressing the committee, Congresswoman Stefanik emphasized the need for legislation to combat the rising instances of fraud targeting military retirees and veterans. She cited alarming statistics from the FTC, stating that over 74,000 veterans reported instances of fraud or identity theft in 2023, resulting in a collective loss of $350 million. Stefanik expressed her concern over the various forms of scams that target veterans, including fake debt collectors, credit card fraud, and benefits fraud.

Stefanik introduced the bipartisan V-SAFE Act to establish an office within the VA dedicated to leading all fraud prevention efforts. She highlighted the importance of centralizing fraud prevention efforts within the VA to better protect veterans. In her remarks, Stefanik urged her colleagues to support the bill, emphasizing the need to safeguard those who have served the nation.

During the hearing, Congresswoman Stefanik posed a question to John W. Boerstler, Chief Veterans Experience Officer at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, regarding the significance of having a one-stop-shop for veterans in times of crisis. Boerstler echoed Stefanik's sentiments, stressing the importance of a centralized effort to combat fraud across different government agencies. He emphasized the need for a single point of contact for veterans to report fraudulent activities and seek assistance.

In response to Boerstler's comments, Congresswoman Stefanik expressed gratitude for his support and indicated readiness to collaborate on implementing recommendations from the VA. The V-SAFE Act aims to provide veterans with the necessary tools and resources to protect themselves against fraud and scams effectively.

The full remarks and transcript of Congresswoman Stefanik's advocacy for the V-SAFE Act can be accessed on her official website. The bipartisan bill represents a crucial step towards safeguarding veterans from fraudulent activities and ensuring their financial security.