H.R. 8601 — Veterans Protection from Fraud Act of 2026

This section expands the definition of vulnerable victim under 18 U.S.C. §2326(2)—previously limited to persons age 65 or older or with specific disabilities—to include targeted veterans (as defined in 38 U.S.C. §101) of any age. (Thus, this triggers enhanced penalties under 18 U.S.C. §2327 for offenses such as mail fraud, wire fraud, and telemarketing fraud committed against such veterans.)