Kelly, Gillibrand, Scott, Moody Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Protect Seniors from Scammers

Americans lost $16.6 billion to scams in 2024; $4.8 billion was stolen from seniors

Senators and Senate Aging Committee members Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Rick Scott (R-FL), and Ashley Moody (R-FL) introduced the bipartisan National Strategy for Combating Scams Act, legislation that would require the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to develop a coordinated national strategy to combat scams, incorporating input from scam victims, seniors, law enforcement, nonprofits, and businesses.

The legislation follows a Senate Special Committee on Aging hearing last year, where Kelly heard from consumer advocates, law enforcement, and fraud victims about how scammers are targeting older adults and discussed ways to protect seniors from increasingly sophisticated fraud.

"Every year, scammers steal billions of dollars from Americans, harming families, especially seniors. But the federal government lacks a strategy to address the scope and speed of these schemes," said Sen. Kelly. "This bipartisan bill will create a coordinated approach to crack down on fraud, better protect families and seniors, and hold scammers accountable."

"Last year alone, Americans lost over $16 billion to scams. That's a staggering amount of money that's been stolen from our families, our neighbors, and, disproportionately, our seniors," said Sen. Gillibrand. "I'm proud to introduce the bipartisan National Strategy for Combating Scams Act to help make sure seniors don't get scrooged this holiday season. It's clear that we need a coordinated national strategy to tackle the increasingly sophisticated scams targeting our seniors, and this legislation would bring that to fruition. I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to get this vital bill across the finish line."

"Families across the country are being hammered by increasingly sophisticated scams, and Washington has been far too slow to respond," said Sen. Scott. "As chairman of the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging, I am proud to join Ranking Member Gillibrand in this bipartisan effort to finally bring federal agencies together, cut the duplication, and create a real national plan to protect seniors and hardworking Americans. After the findings of our fraud report, it's clear we need a coordinated strategy, not more bureaucracy or new spending, and this bill delivers exactly that. I'm proud to help lead this charge to crack down on criminals and keep Americans safe."

More than four in ten Americans say they have lost money to scams or had their sensitive information obtained fraudulently. Criminals increasingly utilize advanced tools like generative AI and voice deepfakes to deceive victims, disproportionately targeting older adults. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) identified at least 13 agencies involved in anti-scam efforts, each working independently under different mandates and authorities. GAO has recommended that the FBI take the lead in creating a National Strategy for Combating Scams to enhance federal coordination and effectiveness in fighting these crimes. This legislation would give the FBI a legal obligation to follow through on this recommendation.

Companion legislation was introduced into the House of Representatives by Representative Gabe Amo (D-RI-01) and Representative Derek Schmidt (R-KS-02).

"I'm proud to introduce the bipartisan National Strategy for Combating Scams Act in the House, alongside my colleagues in the Senate, to ensure we are addressing the rising scam threat in a coordinated and strategic manner," said Rep. Amo. "I look forward to working together as the national strategy is developed to keep fighting scammers and keep Rhode Islanders money where it belongs, in their pockets."

This legislation is supported by AARP, Aspen Institute Financial Security Program, Chamber of Progress, Global Anti-Scam Alliance, North America Chapter, Justice in Aging, National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, Meta, National Adult Protective Services Association (NAPSA), National Asian Pacific Center on Aging (NAPCA), National Association of Social Workers (NASW), National Caucus and Center on Black Aging, Inc. (NCBA), National Center for Victims of Crime, National Crime Prevention Council, National Sheriffs' Association, and the Stop Scams Alliance.

Click here to read the full text of the bill and click here for a one-pager.