Representative Thaddeus G. McCotter (R-Livonia) today has taken action in response to reports of a disturbing trend of callers, falsely informing family members of deployed service members their loved ones are missing in action, have been taken prisoner or killed. Incidents have been reported in Delaware, Alabama, and Rep. McCotter’s home state of Michigan. 

 

“I am outraged and disturbed at these abusive calls and pray none of us can fathom the perpetrators' depravity,” said McCotter.  “Causing these family members unnecessary pain and grief is a cruel act against them and all of the families who really are missing or have lost a loved one.”

 

Rep. McCotter today introduced a bill, H.R. 1771, amending the Communications Act of 1934 to prohibit individuals from knowingly misinforming the relative of a member of the Armed Forces of the United States their family member is deceased, injured or missing due to an event associated with the military service.

 

The U.S. military is responsible for notifying families regarding the status of their loved ones, which is done in person by military casualty officials. 

 

“These calls go far beyond any high school prank.   They are interfering with the U.S. military and are on the way to becoming a federal offense.”