Bill Overview
Title: Veterans Protection from Fraud Act
Description: This bill makes enhanced criminal penalties for telemarking or email marketing fraud offenses applicable to telemarking or email fraud offenses that target veterans.
Sponsors: Rep. Burchett, Tim [R-TN-2]
Target Audience
Population: Veterans targeted by telemarketing or email marketing fraud
Estimated Size: 19000000
- The bill specifically targets fraud offenses against veterans, indicating the population affected is primarily veterans.
- According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), there are approximately 19 million veterans in the United States.
- The bill's impact would be on those who may be targeted by telemarketing or email marketing fraud, which could potentially include all veterans.
Reasoning
- The policy aims to reduce fraud among veterans by enhancing penalties, potentially impacting their wellbeing by alleviating stress related to fraud attempts.
- Due to budget constraints, not all veterans can be protected comprehensively. The policy might focus on those most at risk or those already affected by fraud.
- The policy's effect size will likely vary based on the veteran's prior experiences with fraud and their awareness of such schemes.
- The wellbeing of veterans who have not experienced fraud might not be impacted, while those who have felt vulnerable to such attacks might see an improvement.
Simulated Interviews
retired (Florida)
Age: 67 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think it's about time someone did something to protect us veterans from these scammers.
- I've had calls trying to get my bank information by pretending to be from the VA.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 3 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 2 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 2 |
retired (Georgia)
Age: 72 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I haven't personally been targeted by these frauds, but I've heard of other veterans being taken advantage of.
- Anything that can make us feel more protected is a positive change.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
IT specialist (California)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I am quite vigilant when it comes to scams, so I personally haven't been impacted.
- However, I know the community could benefit from tougher penalties for these crimes.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
construction worker (Texas)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- These scammers are relentless, and it's about time there were harsher consequences.
- I've received emails pretending to be my utility company or bank – it's unsettling.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 2 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 2 |
nurse (New York)
Age: 30 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm cautious about these things, so I've managed to avoid scams.
- Still, it feels good to know that steps are being taken to protect veterans.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
retired (Ohio)
Age: 82 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I get confused by technology and often worry about what is real or a scam.
- This policy makes me feel a bit safer, like people care about us older vets.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 2 |
teacher (Virginia)
Age: 53 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- As someone who advocates for veteran rights, I see this as a necessary expansion of protections.
- Veterans deserve to be safe from exploitation.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
software developer (Colorado)
Age: 38 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 9
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 18/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I don't typically worry about fraud because I feel I can handle it, but I know others might not be so lucky.
- This policy can help those who aren't as tech-savvy as I am.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
lawyer (Illinois)
Age: 61 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- My work involves helping people prevent fraud, so I recognize the value of increased penalties.
- It empowers the legal system to better protect veterans.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
retired (North Carolina)
Age: 78 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I don't feel very tech-savvy and have been caught by a scam before.
- Knowing the penalties are harsher now makes me a bit more at ease.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 3 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 2 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 2 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 1 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $15000000 (Low: $10000000, High: $20000000)
Year 2: $15000000 (Low: $10000000, High: $20000000)
Year 3: $15000000 (Low: $10000000, High: $20000000)
Year 5: $15000000 (Low: $10000000, High: $20000000)
Year 10: $15000000 (Low: $10000000, High: $20000000)
Year 100: $15000000 (Low: $10000000, High: $20000000)
Key Considerations
- The effectiveness of enhanced penalties in deterring fraud against veterans and the resulting shift in fraud tactics.
- Potential need for coordination with veterans organizations for outreach and support.
- Long-term impact on enforcement and legal system costs.
- The small probability of indirect effects on veterans' economic activities leading to broader financial benefits.