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Gov. Phil Murphy signed bipartisan legislation into law during an Aug. 25 event in Neptune City that aims to protect veterans and their families from potential fraudsters.

The measure (Senate Bill 3292/Assembly Bill 3286) establishes standard requirements that must be followed for any individuals seeking compensation for providing assistance to veterans and their families regarding benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) or the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMAVA).

Some of the highlights of the new law include:

• Establishes the circumstances under which compensation may be sought;
• Requires terms of service and compensation to be in writing;
• Prohibits individuals from guaranteeing any specific result when offering their services;
• Requires individuals to disclose any affiliations they may have with the VA, DMAVA, or other federally chartered service organizations prior to entering into an agreement with the veteran or their family.

“Our veterans put their lives on the line in service to our country and have more than earned the benefits for which they and their loved ones are eligible,” said Murphy. “We must protect veterans and their families from unscrupulous individuals who would take advantage of them by overcharging for assistance with those benefits. This legislation will help ensure these bad actors either follow all applicable federal standards or face the consequences.”

Under the new law, any violation of the terms would be considered a violation of the New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act, which could result in monetary or other penalties.

“New Jersey veterans deserve to be treated with respect for the sacrifices they’ve made, not financially exploited in their time of need,” said Cari Fais, acting director of the Division of Consumer Affairs. “This legislation makes it easier for the Division to hold accountable those who cheat veterans under the guise of helping them access benefits they earned while defending our country and our freedoms.”

“Our Garden State veterans, who exemplified honor and integrity during their service in uniform, rightfully deserve honest support from those who assist them in securing their hard-earned benefits,” said Brig. Gen. Lisa Hou, NJDMAVA commissioner and the adjunct general of New Jersey. “The New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs has federally trained and certified Veterans Services Officers employed throughout the state for the express purpose of providing free-of-charge help to veterans navigating claims and appeals for state and federal benefits.”

‘A layer of transparency’

The bipartisan measure, which received unanimous support in the Legislature, was sponsored by state Sens. Vin Gopal, D-11th District, and Shirley Turner, D-15th District, as well as Assembly members Joe Danielsen, D-17th District; Sean Kean, R-30th District; and Michele Matsikoudis, R-21st District.

“Veterans who served and protected our country from our enemies abroad now find themselves in need of protection here at home from bad actors, scammers, and dishonest brokers who would target them for ill-gotten financial gain,” said Gopal. “This law adds a layer of transparency concerning those who seek to advise veterans about benefits and claims, bars these unaccredited consultants from receiving any compensation for services that aren’t now recognized under federal law and keeps our veterans safe from unscrupulous operators who would prey upon them.”

“Helping veterans access their earned benefits is a privilege, not an opportunity pad one’s pockets,” said Kean. “This law protects New Jersey veterans and their families from the bad actors out there who want to take advantage of their service.”

The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Department of New Jersey applauded the measure and thanked the Legislature for its bipartisan support, “which led to today’s action by the governor on this law making it a violation of the Consumer Fraud Act for persons to receive compensation for advising or assisting or referring any individual to another person to advise or assist, with any veterans benefits matter, except as is permitted under federal law,” the organization said in a statement.

“In addition to our state offices, there are Federal VA offices and a number of volunteer organizations that also seek to help veterans better understand and pursue their benefits and entitlements, providing a wealth of experiences and lessons learned free-of-charge,” Hou added. “I encourage all New Jerseyans who have worn the uniform to connect with our VSOs by visiting www.nj.gov/military for a list of offices, or call us, toll-free at 1-888-8N-J-VETS.”