BOSCOLA WILL INTRODUCE LEGISLATION TO PROTECT PENNSYLVANIA VETERANS AND THOSE ON ACTIVE DUTY

BETHLEHEM (June 19) - After personal identification and records of approximately 26.5 million veterans and 2.2 million active Armed Service members were stolen from the US Department of Veteran Affairs (VA), Senator Lisa M. Boscola wants to protect Pennsylvania veterans and active service members who could be the victim of identity theft.  Boscola is introducing legislation that would make it a crime to impersonate a veteran or any member of the Armed Services. 

“Many of our veterans and military personnel have been victims of war, battle and bloodshed.  After serving our country so valiantly, they should not be victims of their own identity,” Boscola said.  “Anyone who attempts to impersonate a veteran or service member to obtain benefits should be punished,” said Boscola. 

Social Security numbers, address, phone numbers, and birthdates were reported stolen from the federal department.  After the VA delayed reporting the issue for 3 weeks back in May, Boscola became more troubled by the notion that our veterans and service members were that much more vulnerable due to department inaction.

Since there are a number of benefits available to veterans through the VA, impersonating a current or former Armed Service member could reap unearned financial rewards. 

“We need to honor those who have fought for liberty and freedom as well as those who are currently making sacrifices overseas,” Boscola said.

According to the Federal Trade Commission, identity theft is the most common complaint from consumers in every state, and the number of complaints continues to rise.  Our various levels of government should continue working to reduce these incidences of theft, not contributing to them. 

Under Boscola’s legislation, an individual could be subject to a 2^nd degree misdemeanor, which the maximum punishment is 2 years in prison and a $5,000 fine. 

The California legislature has passed legislation similar to Boscola’s bill, which was then signed into law by California’s Governor.

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