The Department of Veterans Affairs is encouraging veterans to monitor their financial and personal information, following a recent theft of millions of electronic records.

A VA employee downloaded data connected to up to 26.5 million veterans and some spouses, Sen. Larry Craig (R-ID), chair of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee, said Monday. After taking the data home, the information was reportedly stolen, Craig said. The FBI is involved in the investigation and the employee has been placed on administrative leave.

Veterans can call (800) FED INFO (333-4636) to get more information about the situation and learn about consumer identity protections. The call center will operate from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. (EDT) Monday through Saturday. For more, go to .