Veterans reported $350 million in fraud losses in 2023, according to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC)—an uptick of $60 million from the previous year. However, a new effort on Capitol Hill would shield the men and women who served by protecting them from scammers.

H.R. 6452, the Veterans Scam and Fraud Evasion (VSAFE) Act, would help steer culprits away from veterans by establishing a veteran scam and fraud evasion officer within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) who would guide veterans and their families on identifying, reporting, preventing and responding to such nefarious activity.

With more than 74,000 reports of fraud and a median reported loss of $577 among veterans last year, according to FTC data, the bill responds to an urgent need to safeguard the benefits and resources they’ve earned.The bill was approved by House Veterans Affairs Committee in May, sending the measure to the full House of Representatives.

The Disabled American Veterans, founded in 1920,has been among the best and most impact veteran’s charities in the United States. We are a not-for-profit 501 (c) volunteer organization with all fundraising directed to support veterans services.

Recently, an organization called Disabled Veterans National Foundation has been actively soliciting donations by direct mailings in our area. Be advised that they are NOT affiliated with DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS in any way. Charity Navigator rated this organization at 2 stars out of a possible 4 and indicated that 77.4% of every dollar raised was spent on administrative and fundraising costs. That means that only 22.6% actually go to veterans programs!

Remember that the DAV is the only congressional chartered organization providing services to all disabled Veterans regardless of their disability.