New York, New York — A New York senator is calling for a coordinated federal response after seniors across the state lost more than $250 million to scams last year, highlighting what she says is a growing and organized criminal threat targeting older Americans.
Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand is backing the National Strategy for Combating Scams Act, legislation that would require the FBI to develop a cross-agency plan to address fraud schemes that increasingly operate online and across state lines. According to FBI data, scams cost Americans an estimated $16.6 billion nationwide in 2024, with older adults disproportionately affected.
Gillibrand said scammers often impersonate government agencies, businesses, or even family members, using sophisticated tactics designed to exploit trust and isolation. She argued that the problem can no longer be addressed by individual agencies acting independently. A Government Accountability Office review found at least 13 federal agencies currently work on scam prevention, often with overlapping authority and little coordination.
Under the proposal, the FBI would lead a working group that includes the Federal Trade Commission, Department of State, and Department of Health and Human Services. The group would assess financial risks to victims, examine national and economic security implications, and develop clearer roles for each agency. It would also explore partnerships with state and local governments to help victims recover losses.
Advocates for older Americans say the effort is overdue. AARP officials note seniors are targeted because they often have savings and are less likely to immediately hang up on suspected scammers. Supporters argue a unified federal strategy could reduce losses and improve prevention before scams reach victims.
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