Rep. Tom Graves Votes to Protect Veterans from Fraud

Washington, D.C. – Rep. Tom Graves (R-GA-14) today voted for and the House passed the Preventing Crimes Against Veterans Act (H.R. 4676), bipartisan legislation that would penalize con artists targeting veterans for profit.

While it’s illegal for anyone other than authorized attorneys or agents, who have met Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) standards, to charge for assisting veterans in appeals cases, there is no punishment for those who violate the law. Seeking to exploit this loophole and the VA backlog, con artists are offering to assist veterans with benefits claims, charging a large fee, and offering little or no help in return. H.R. 4676 penalizes these criminals by imposing a fine, imprisonment up to five years or both.

“Financial fraud is always a serious crime, but it’s especially disgusting when it’s aimed at veterans who have sacrificed so much for our country,” said Rep. Graves. “The severe consequences spelled out in this legislation send a clear message that our society intends to protect our veterans and prosecute fraudsters who target them.”