VA Must Post Security Warnings on All Login Pages to Fight 'Claim Sharks' and Credential Theft

This new legislation, the Department of Veterans Affairs Claim Sharks Effective Warnings Act of 2025, is straightforward: it mandates that the VA immediately start warning veterans every time they log into a public-facing website or online tool. The warning has a specific job—to tell veterans never to share their VA account login details (like usernames or passwords) or their bank account login information with anyone. This is a direct response to the rise of predatory third-party agents, often called 'claim sharks,' who try to charge veterans massive fees for services the VA offers for free, frequently by demanding access to their accounts.

The Digital Security Guard

Think of this as the VA finally installing a digital security guard right at the front door of all their online services. The bill specifies that this warning must pop up immediately upon login, ensuring it’s the first thing a veteran sees before they start navigating the site. This isn't just about protecting VA benefits; it’s about protecting veterans’ entire digital identity and financial security. If a veteran is working with an unaccredited agent who asks for their login to 'check their file,' this new, prominent warning will serve as a critical red flag, reminding them that sharing that info exposes their bank accounts and personal data.

Who’s Responsible and When It Starts

Getting this done falls squarely on the shoulders of the VA’s Chief Veterans Experience Officer, who is tasked with making sure this warning system is deployed across all relevant digital platforms. While the goal is immediate protection, the VA gets a 180-day runway after the Act becomes law to fully implement the system across its sprawling network of websites and tools. For a veteran trying to manage their benefits, healthcare appointments, or education applications online, this means that within six months, every digital entry point will carry a clear, standardized message designed to stop identity theft and financial exploitation before it starts. Since the bill is highly specific about what the warning must say and where it must appear, it leaves little room for the VA to water down the message or hide it in the fine print.