CBS Atlanta 46Veterans Affairs recipient receives confidential information

Rome native Pam Gates said working to get her mother qualified through the VA was a nightmare.

Over the past year, Gates said she has been trying to work out a problem where her mother's information was not routed correctly into the system, so her mother was not receiving benefits.

On Monday, Gates received a letter stating the problem was resolved. In that packet of information, Gates found something else - another recipient's confidential information.

"It included Social Security numbers, the bank in Dalton, the routing numbers, checking account, the spouses identification, everything," said Gates. "This is a major concern for me because all the stuff I have gone through previously and then to get this. I am concerned I have someone else's information and someone else has my daddy's information."

Gates' father Ed Duke served in the Korean War. It's through him that her mother qualifies for the benefits.

"My daddy was a veteran and he proudly served," said Gates. "I would certainly think we have more professional people handling this."

CBS Atlanta's Mike Paluska called the Department of Veterans Affairs for comment. We were told that they would investigate Gates' case.

Gates said she called her local congressman, Phil Gingrey.  His office said they have launched a congressional inquiry into the matter.

Gates said she is worried her parents' information might fall into the wrong hands.

"I could easily print checks and wipe someone out," said Gates. "Everything one needs to know to take someone else's identity is right here."

Gates said she will return all of the information to the VA office in Atlanta. She also plans to contact the veteran, whose information she received.

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