More on Database Theft

Secretary of Veterans Affairs R. James Nicholson has briefed the Attorney General and the Chairman of the Federal Trade Commission, who are co-chairs of the President’s Identity Theft Task Force. The task force has taken actions to protect the affected veterans and coordinate the response. Veterans can visit www.firstgov.gov for more information. Additionally, VA has established a call center that veterans may use to get information about the situation and learn more about consumer identity protections. That toll free number is 1-800-FED INFO (333-4636). The call center will operate from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. (EDT), Monday-Saturday as long as it is needed. It will be able to handle up to 20,000 calls per hour. VA also will mail individual notification letters to veterans where possible. Meanwhile, incensed veterans and vets’ groups throughout the nation are demanding explanations and action to prevent future compromise.