Ahead of Memorial Day Sales Promotions, Blumenthal Seeks Protections For Veterans Against Identity Theft

Press Release

Today, Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs, released a comprehensive report supporting his call for the Department of Defense (DoD) to issue Recognition of Service cards to veterans and military members separating from the Armed Forces. The report, titled Military and Veterans Discounts: Honoring all who served or a privacy and security risk?, reveals that companies hired by retailers often verify a customer's military service and engage in practices that put veterans and servicemembers at risk for identity theft or other kinds of fraud and abuse.

Blumenthal said, "These reforms will save veterans from identity theft and fraud when retailers offer discounts but demand sensitive personal information. A national recognition of service card will honor our heroes and save them from scammers. Retailers who commendably offer veterans discounts--especially around holidays--should not put them at risk in verifying their status. As Memorial Day approaches, the Department of Defense should support the report's recommendations--and any legislation necessary, which I will offer. Our veterans and servicemembers need and deserve common sense protections so discounts don't become really bad deals."

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