Boehner Warns of Scam Targeting Military Families

Via email:

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman John Boehner (R—West Chester) today warned of a scam targeting military spouses, preying on the fear that their husband or wife has been grievously injured in Iraq .

According to a report, a person with an American accent calls a military spouse identifying herself as a representative of the Red Cross. The spouse is told that her husband or his wife has been injured in Iraq and evacuated to Germany . The caller states that doctors cannot start treatment until the patient’s Social Security number and date of birth are verified.

“It is unconscionable that someone could be so degraded as to prey on the worst fears of a military spouse,” Boehner said. “Identity-theft scams, whether they are targeting military families or senior citizens, are a danger to us all. We must be alert to phone calls, e-mails and letters from strangers seeking personal and financial information. These scams should be reported immediately to the proper authorities.”

Representatives of the Red Cross contact military members or their families directly only in response to an emergency message initiated by a family member, according to a Red Cross release. Families of injured troops are contacted by the Department of Defense regarding the service member’s condition.

It is a federal crime punishable by up to five years in prison for an individual to falsely pose as an agent of the Red Cross to solicit, collect, or receive money or material.

Military spouses who receive a phone call reportedly from the Red Cross asking for personal and/or financial information should not reveal this information. The call should be immediately reported to the local family readiness group or military support organization.