Sen. Ossoff Continuing Push to Protect Georgia Veterans from Fraud

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff is continuing his work to protect Georgia veterans from fraud.

Today, Sen. Ossoff launched a push to pass the bipartisan GUARD VA Benefits Act of 2023, legislation he co-sponsored to protect Georgia veterans from predatory claim sharks seeking to take advantage of veterans applying for benefits they've earned.

The bipartisan bill would impose criminal penalties on unaccredited organizations or individuals who charge veterans seeking to file claims with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Only claim agents accredited by the VA can file claims on behalf of veterans, and it must be done free of charge.

Last month, Sen. Ossoff urged the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to investigate claim sharks seeking to take advantage of veterans applying for their earned benefits.

"We are seeing an alarming increase in reports of predatory practices targeting veterans by claim sharks, who are charging exorbitant fees to assist veterans filing their claims with the VA," Sen. Ossoff said. "My office and I will not tolerate the targeting and exploitation of veterans in Georgia."

Sen. Ossoff continues working to improve Georgia veterans' access to their benefits.

In February, Sens. Ossoff, Susan Collins (R-ME), and John Thune (R-SD) introduced the Rural Veterans Transportation to Care Act to help more veterans in rural areas get transportation to VA health facilities and access the health care benefits they've earned.

In January, thanks to Sen Ossoff's bipartisan Access for Veterans to Records Act becoming law, the National Archives cleared a backlog of more than 400,000 records requests, enabling Georgia veterans to more quickly access their records and claim their benefits.

Sen. Ossoff also launched a push to pass the bipartisan TAP Promotion Act, legislation he co-sponsored to help servicemembers more easily access VA benefits as they transition to civilian life.

Click here to read the GUARD VA Benefits Act of 2023.

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