CONGRESSMAN SALAZAR WARNS VETERANS OF IDENTITY THEFT

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WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman John T. Salazar, the only veteran from the Colorado delegation, today advised veterans in Colorado on how to protect their identities and credit histories in light of reports of data being stolen from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

According to the VA, data containing names, social security numbers, and dates of birth for up to 26.5 million veterans was recently compromised. While the FBI and the VA Inspector General’s office are looking into the matter, Salazar informed veterans and their families to take proactive steps to protect themselves from misuse of their personal information. 

“It is our duty to protect those who have protected us,” said Salazar. “A full investigation is needed to make sure the federal government never violates the trust of our veterans again.  The VA has informed me they will take every step possible to protect the identity and credit of our veterans, but I encourage all veterans to take proactive steps to guarantee their own security.”

Veterans can visit www.firstgov.gov as well as www.va.gov/opa to get more information on this matter. The VA has set up a manned call center that veterans may call to get information about this situation and learn more about consumer identity protections: 1-800-FED INFO (333-4636), from 8 am to 9 pm (EDT), Monday-Saturday. The call center will be able to handle up to 20,000 calls per hour (260,000 calls per day).
The Secretary of Veterans Affairs R. James Nicholson has briefed the Attorney General and the Chairman of the Federal Trade Commission, co-chairs of the President's Identity Theft Task Force.  Task Force members have already taken actions to protect the affected veterans, including working with the credit bureaus to help ensure that veterans receive the free credit report they are entitled to under the law.