Guest Author - Gary King

I have been contacted with regards to stolen information from the VA. So I contacted Tom Harkin, U.S. Senator from Iowa.

Senator Harkin’s office sent me the following information about stolen information from the VA. They have sent out two newsletter regarding the investigation into the theft of identifying information. The first one has the background information on the situation along with the numbers to contact. The second article is the legislation Senator Harkin has signed onto regarding assisting veterans that have been affected. Please let us know if you have any further questions.

This is the message:

Dear Friend:

As you may have already hear, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is investigating a recent case involving the theft of identifying information—including the names, birthdates, and Social Security numbers of 26.5 million veterans. I am extremely dismayed that a security breach such as this was committed by the Federal government, and I believe that the employee or employees who took this information home, in violation of VA guidelines, should be investigated and face appropriate disciplinary action.

At the same time, however, I want to reassure you that the appropriate law enforcement agencies are investigating who may have stolen the information. It is important for you to know that the identifying information does not include any of the VA’s electronic health records nor financial information. In addition, the VA believes there is no evidence that any of the missing information has been used illegally.

Nevertheless, there are steps that the veterans can and should take to ensure that they do not become victims of identity theft. The VA is asking veterans to be vigilant and carefully monitor bank statements, credit card statements and nay other statements regarding and any other statement regarding financial transactions. If you notice unusual or suspicious activity, you should immediately contact your financial institution for further guidance.

If you would like to receive more, up-to-date information, the Department of Veterans Affairs has set up a special website and toll-free number. Please visit www.firstgov.gov or call 1-800-FED-INFO (1-800-333-4636) for further updates.

Your senator,

Tom Harkin

Senator Harkin’s Offices:

Des Moines Davenport
210 Walnut Street 606 Brady Street
Room 733, Federal Building Suite 323
Des Moines, IA 50309 Davenport, IA 52803
(515) 284-4574 (Phone) (563) 322-1338 (Phone)
(515) 284-4937 (Fax) (563) 322-0417 (Fax)

Cedar Rapids Dubuque
150 First Avenue NE 350 W. 6th Street
Suite 370 315 Federal Building
Cedar Rapids, IA 52401 Dubuque, IA 52001
(319) 365-4505 (Phone) (563) 582-2130 (Phone)
(319) 365-4683 (Fax) (563) 582-2342 (Fax)

Sioux City Washington Office
320 6th Street 731 Hart Senate Office Bldg.
110 Federal Bldg. Washington, DC 20510
Sioux City, IA 51101 (202) 224-3254 (Phone)
(712) 252-1550 (Phone) (202) 224-9369 (Fax)
(712) 252-1638 (Fax) (202) 224-4622 TDD