Attorney General McDonnell Issues Alert for Virginia Veterans
--Personal Information of 26.5 Million Veterans Stolen--

May 31, 2006

Attorney General Bob McDonnell today issued a consumer alert for all Virginia veterans from the Vietnam War to the present. This month a computer disc containing social security numbers and other personal information for 26.5 million veterans, from the Vietnam War to the present conflict in Iraq, was stolen from the home of a Veterans Affairs analyst in suburban Maryland.

Attorney General McDonnell noted, "The information on this disc, should it fall into the wrong hands, could be used to commit identity theft crimes against veterans in Virginia. As a veteran myself I find this to be alarming." McDonnell continued, "My office is working with all federal, state, and local authorities to protect veterans and see that no one falls prey to identity theft as a result of this unfortunate occurrence."

The Office of the Attorney General can assist any veteran concerned about the security of their personal information as the office shares jurisdiction with local prosecutors in identity theft cases. Al veterans are urged to review their financial records to ensure that there have not been any unlawful or unauthorized transactions. If any irregularities are noted, individuals should contact their financial service providers as well as this office by calling the Computer Crime Unit at 1-804-786-2071. McDonnell noted, "If we find individuals who have committed identity theft or fraud against veterans we will prosecute them to the fullest extent to the law."

In addition, the following online and federal resources are available to assist anyone concerned about identity theft. For information from this office individuals can visit: www.vaag.com/FAQs/FAQ_IDTheft.html. At the federal level, veterans can report suspicious activity by visiting www.firstgov.gov/veteransinfo.shtml , or by calling 1-800-FED-INFO.

In Virginia, identity theft is a serious crime. Currently, an identity thief whose crime results in financial loss up to $200 faces a misdemeanor conviction and confinement for not more than 12 months and/or a maximum fine of $2,500. An identity thief, whose crime results in financial loss greater than $200, faces a felony conviction and a term of imprisonment of not less than one year or more than five years. Further, as a result of new legislation initiated and championed by Attorney General McDonnell this session, identity theft is also a felony if more than 5 identities are stolen.