Boehner Reveals Lowlife Military Scam

Reports of Scam Targeting Military Families

Office of Congressman John Boehner
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday May 31, 2007
MEDIA CONTACT: Jessica R. Towhey 202-225-6205

Boehner Warns of Scam Targeting Military Families

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.

Boehner represents Ohio's 8th District, which includes all of
Darke, Miami and Preble counties, most of Butler and Mercer counties, and the
northeastern corner of Montgomery County. He was first elected to Congress
in 1990.