Mason Backs Bill to Crack Down on Veterans’ Services Scams

GURNEE, Ill. – Veterans would be warned before paying for a service they could receive for free from a government agency under legislation backed by state Rep. Joyce Mason, D-Gurnee.

“A wide variety of benefits are afforded to veterans, but it can be tricky to navigate the applications and forms required to access those services. That’s where county, state and federal veterans’ organizations come in. These entities work day in and day out to help veterans access critical benefits at no cost,” Mason said. “Unfortunately, there are bad actors who will do anything to make a quick buck, and they have created entire business models around charging veterans for benefits services they could otherwise get for free from a government agency.”

Under the Mason-backed House Bill 3865, any person or organization selling veteran benefits services would have to provide a written or verbal disclaimer stating the same services are available for free through county-level veterans’ service offices, the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs and federal veterans’ organizations. House Bill 3865 requires that written disclaimers be provided in uppercase, easy to read font and include a state phone number veterans can call for free assistance.

“We shouldn’t be allowing bad actors to swindle veterans out of their hard-earned money,” Mason said. “That’s why I’m fighting for legislation that would keep veterans better protected from harmful services scams and make it easier for them to connect with state agencies that can help them access their benefits for free.”