Willowbrook, IL – U.S. Representative Judy Biggert (R-IL-13th) today warned members of the military and area veterans about a widespread e-mail scam that is currently targeting disabled veterans.  According to the National Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Commission, the fraudulent emails are delivered from a .mil e-mail address and claim to be from the Defense Finance and Accounting Service.  The false e-mails solicit personal taxpayer information from recipients of VA disability compensation by promising special funds from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

           “These scams get more and more complex every year, and they can be absolutely devastating to victims,” said Biggert.  “We need to go after the offenders aggressively, but the best defense against fraud will always be a well-informed consumer.  That’s why it’s so important to get the word out, especially among disabled veterans who trust and rely on the VA."

           Biggert, who co-founded and co-chairs the Congressional Caucus on Financial and Economic Literacy, has made it a priority to ensure that consumers are equipped with the knowledge to safeguard against financial pitfalls.  To learn more about the scam, visit the American Legion website at: http://www.legion.org/news/181992/email-scam-targets-vets-servicemembers

           Anyone who believes that someone has used their Social Security number fraudulently should notify the IRS immediately and fill out the IRS Identity Theft Affidavit, Form 14039.  For more information about identity theft, visit the IRS website at: http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=252221,00.html

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