WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Pat Roberts today warned Kansas veterans to monitor their personal accounts due to the recent theft of 26.5 million veteran’s identifying electronic data from the home of a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) employee.

Senator Roberts said, “I am greatly concerned about the theft of millions of veterans’ personal information from the home of a VA employee. Sensitive information should be handled with the utmost care and security. What is clear is that the VA researcher, for work related reasons, should not have taken the data home and has been placed on administrative leave.”

The incident is now under investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, local law enforcement, and the VA Inspector General’s Office. Senate VA Committee Chairman Larry Craig (R-ID) is monitoring this issue closely and will consider holding hearings to determine if a legislative solution is necessary.

“In the meantime,” Roberts said, “I strongly urge veterans who are enrolled in the VA system to carefully monitor their financial information. While the data stolen contained no financial or medical information, the records do include names, dates of birth, and disability ratings, which could result in potential cases of identity thefts. The VA has set up a manned call center that veterans may call to get information about this situation and learn more about consumer identity protections. That toll free number is 1-800-FED INFO (333-4636). The Federal Trade Commission www.ftc.gov, is an excellent resource for consumers who want to learn more about how to safeguard their personal information. Reviewing your credit report is another important means of safeguarding your personal information. Free reports from each agency are available through a single source: www.annualcreditreport.com or call 1-877-322-8228.”

Senator Roberts, a former Marine, is a senior member of the Senate Committee on Armed Services and is Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence.