Rep. Barry Moore introduces VA Call Center Multi-Factor Authentication Act to protect veterans from fraud

Washington, D.C.- Today, Congressman Barry Moore (AL-01) introduced the VA Call Center Multi-Factor Authentication Act, legislation to strengthen identity verification protections at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) call centers for high-impact actions involving veterans’ benefits and sensitive information.

“Our veterans have sacrificed for this country, and the last thing they should have to worry about is a scammer stealing their hard-earned benefits,” said Rep. Moore. “As impersonators grow more sophisticated, we must ensure the VA keeps pace by securing high-impact actions with modern multi-factor authentication. My legislation protects veterans’ personal information and benefits without creating red tape for everyday interactions.”

This legislation requires the VA to implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) when callers seek to take actions that could result in serious, lasting harm if conducted by an impersonator -such as diverting funds, altering account access, or obtaining confidential records.

While the VA already requires MFA for online access to benefits and records, no comparable safeguard currently applies to high-impact actions conducted over the phone. This targeted, risk-based approach mirrors modern federal cybersecurity standards while avoiding unnecessary burdens on routine calls.

The legislation amends Title 38 of the United States Code to incorporate stronger authentication requirements into the VA’s privacy and security framework.
 

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