WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging Chairman Rick Scott joined Ranking Member Kirsten Gillibrand to introduce the National Strategy for Combating Scams Act to address the unprecedented rise in fraud targeting America’s aging community. This legislation would strengthen federal coordination by creating a working group led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, standardizing scam reporting, and incorporating input from victims, law enforcement, and the private sector.
Chairman Scott has long championed efforts to protect seniors, strengthen oversight, and combat increasingly sophisticated scams, including those using artificial intelligence (AI) and deepfake technology. Following the release of the committee’s 2025 Fraud Report, he convened a field hearing in Florida to examine the growing threat fraud poses to aging Americans, and highlighted the alarming rise in both traditional and AI-driven schemes. In 2024 alone, seniors lost more than $4.8 billion to fraud, with those aged 50-59 losing an additional $2.5 billion. To address this crisis, Chairman Scott has previously introduced and supported legislation including the STOP Scammers Act, the GUARD Act, and the Scam Compound Accountability and Mobilization Act to strengthen protections against financial exploitation. He has also advanced initiatives such as the National Slam the Scam Day resolution and the toll-free Fraud Hotline to expand access to education, prevention tools, and direct support to empower families to recognize, report, and recover from fraud.
Cosponsors of the National Strategy for Combating Scams Act include Senators Ashley Moody and Mark Kelly. Bipartisan companion legislation in the House of Representatives is led by Congressmen Derek Schmidt and Gabe Amo.
Chairman Rick Scott said, “Families across the country are being overwhelmed by increasingly sophisticated scams, and Washington has been far too slow to respond. 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.”
Ranking Member Kirsten Gillibrand said, “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. 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.”
Senator Ashley Moody said, “Scams are on the rise in the U.S. and Americans are paying the price. As Attorney General in Florida, we were innovative and aggressive in cracking down on fraudsters recovering millions. As the newest U.S. Senator, I am bringing the same focus and tenacity to this ever-growing problem, and I urge my colleagues to do the same. Pass the National Strategy for Combating Scams Act.”
Senator Mark Kelly said, “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. This bipartisan bill will create a coordinated approach to crack down on fraud, better protect families and seniors, and hold scammers accountable.”
Congressman Gabe Amo said, “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. 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.”
The legislation has been endorsed by AARP, Aspen Institute Financial Security Program, Chamber of Progress, Global Anti-Scam Alliance, North America Chapter, Justice in Aging, Meta, National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, National Adult Protective Services Association, National Asian Pacific Center on Aging, National Association of Social Workers, National Caucus and Center on Black Aging, Inc., National Center for Victims of Crime, National Crime Prevention Council, National Sheriffs’ Association, and Stop Scams Alliance.
###