Washington, Jun. 21 (UPI) — U.S. federal agents reportedly are conducting a dozen investigations against people who pose as war heroes.

FBI agents say these phony war heroes often buy medals on the Internet and wear them at public events, reports USA Today.

The report says the cases are difficult to prosecute as the posers have to be caught wearing a medal. Besides, a charge of unauthorized wearing of military medals and decorations is only a misdemeanor with a small penalty on conviction.

The FBI has handled 58 such cases in the past six years, with 20 pending. Of the remainder, 60 percent ended in convictions, the report said.

Congress is considering a "Stolen Valor Act" which, when approved, would impose harsher penalties. Currently, anyone caught fraudulently wearing a Medal of Honor faces up to a year in jail and a $100,000 fine, the report said.