New veterans ID cards help battle identity theft Published Nov. 10, 2004 WASHINGTON (AFPN) -- Department of Veterans Affairs officials have designed a new identity card for veterans that will safeguard confidential information while combating identity theft."The new identification card ensures veterans' personal information is protected," Veterans Affairs Secretary Anthony J. Principi said. "It also helps prevent the theft of important benefits and services from veterans that they earned by their service to our country."The card, formally known as the Veterans Identity Card, will have the veteran’s photo on the front and identify him or her as an enrollee in the VA's health-care system.Encrypted on a magnetic tape on the back of the card will be the veteran's Social Security number, birth date and a control number. The magnetic strip also records whether the veteran has a service-connected disability.Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in the nation, officials said. The Federal Trade Commission listed identity theft as the No. 1 fraud reported by consumers in 2003.Requests from veterans and their congressional representatives were instrumental in bringing about these latest changes, officials said."The new (card) ensures the security of veterans' personal information as well as ensuring that only eligible veterans receive the benefits and services they've earned," said Kristin Cunningham of the VA health-care system's business office.Veterans can request the new card at their local medical center. Processing will take five to seven days once eligibility is verified. Existing cards will remain valid until veterans receive their new cards. (Courtesy of American Forces Press Service)