Combating Pandemic Scams Act of 2020
Floor Speech
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Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 6435) to direct the Federal Trade Commission to develop and disseminate information to the public about scams related to COVID-19, and for other purposes, as amended.
The Clerk read the title of the bill.
The text of the bill is as follows: H.R. 6435
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Combating Pandemic Scams Act of 2020''. SEC. 2. INFORMATION ABOUT SCAMS RELATED TO COVID-19.
(a) Dissemination of Information.--
(1) In general.--As expeditiously as possible after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Commission, in consultation with the Attorney General, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, the Postmaster General, the Chief Postal Inspector, and the Internet Crime Complaint Center, shall develop and disseminate information to the public about scams related to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
(2) Requirements.--In carrying out paragraph (1), the Commission shall--
(A) include--
(i) information regarding mail, telemarketing, and internet fraud and illegal robocalls related to COVID-19 that identifies the most common scams; and
(ii) information regarding where and how to report instances of scams related to COVID-19, including instructions on how to file a complaint with the appropriate law enforcement agency;
(B) disseminate information under such paragraph in a manner that prioritizes, and that is easily accessible by and user-friendly to, senior citizens and people with infirmities and disabilities;
(C) disseminate information under such paragraph on an internet website of the Commission that serves as a source of information for the public about scams related to COVID-19; and
(D) regularly update the information developed and disseminated under such paragraph to keep pace with the changing nature of scams related to COVID-19.
(b) Database.--As expeditiously as possible after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Commission shall, in consultation with State law enforcement agencies, the Director of the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection, the Attorney General, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, and other relevant Federal officials, establish a comprehensive national database, either within or separate from the Consumer Sentinel Network, that tracks instances of scams related to COVID-19.
(c) Commission Defined.--In this section, the term ``Commission'' means the Federal Trade Commission. SEC. 3. DETERMINATION OF BUDGETARY EFFECTS.
The budgetary effects of this Act, for the purpose of complying with the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010, shall be determined by reference to the latest statement titled ``Budgetary Effects of PAYGO Legislation'' for this Act, submitted for printing in the Congressional Record by the Chairman of the House Budget Committee, provided that such statement has been submitted prior to the vote on passage.
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Mr. PALLONE. 6435.
Mr. Speaker, I rise to speak in support of H.R. 6435, the Combating Pandemic Scams Act. This bipartisan bill was introduced by Representatives Carter, Kuster, Hudson, and Blunt Rochester. I thank them for introducing this measure to help stem the tide of scams and fraud during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In July, the Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Consumer Protection and Commerce held a hearing on increased risks during the COVID-19 pandemic. During that hearing, we heard about all the ways scammers are taking advantage of the ongoing national emergency for personal gain. Whether phishing for stimulus checks or fundraising for fake charities, scammers are exploiting Americans already struggling financially and diverting resources away from where they could provide desperately needed help.
One new scam that has emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic is the contact tracing scam. This scam, which involves fraudsters posing as contact tracers from public health departments, is exacerbating the public health crisis by undermining one of the most effective tools we have to keep communities safe.
Instead of documenting the spread of the virus or alerting those who might have been exposed, these scammers are only interested in duping Americans into turning over sensitive personal information or downloading malicious software on their device.
H.R. 6435 will establish a comprehensive national database of scams related to COVID-19 so that the public can differentiate the real contact tracers from the imposters and learn how to identify other scams on their own. It will also require the Federal Trade Commission to inform the public about mail, telemarketing, and internet scams related to COVID-19, including how to report such scams to the appropriate agency.
Mr. Speaker, as the pandemic continues, we will continue to see more scams unfold, unfortunately. But this bill will make sure that the American public is regularly updated about scams so they can protect themselves and their loved ones.
Mr. Speaker, this is an important bill. It is going to protect consumers during this pandemic, and I call on all of my colleagues to support it.
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Mr. PALLONE. Kuster), the sponsor of the bill.
Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 6435, the Combating Pandemic Scams Act of 2020.
Mr. Speaker, I was proud to help introduce this bipartisan bill with my colleague Buddy Carter in April, and I appreciate the support of our colleagues on the Republican side of the aisle. I would like to take a moment to commend Buddy for his leadership on this important topic.
During these challenging times for our country, I have constantly been impressed by Americans' commitment to helping their neighbors pull through this crisis. Sadly, where many see an opportunity to lend a helping hand, others see a chance to make a quick buck.
Scammers have posed as medical researchers, offering opportunities to participate in clinical trials. They have attempted to sell nonexistent PPE. They have even tried to trick seniors into buying fake COVID-19 test kits. These shameful acts must not only be condemned, but Congress must take action to crack down on these scams and inform the American people of these devious efforts.
Our bipartisan legislation will help stop COVID scams by directing Federal agencies and departments to inform Americans about these criminal schemes so they can stay alert and keep themselves safe. By aggregating data and providing the public with information on mail, telemarketing, and robocall fraud schemes, Americans can defend themselves and their families.
Mr. Speaker, this bill is an important step forward, and I urge my colleagues to support it.
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Mr. PALLONE. Schakowsky), the chair of the subcommittee.
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Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I also urge support for the bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.
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