Protecting Seniors From Emergency Scams Act

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Ms. KELLY of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, the past year has been tough for many of us but especially difficult for seniors. Many have lost friends and loved ones from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Increased isolation and dependence on digital resources have put extra burdens on millions of Americans.

From frantic calls of, "Grandma, I am in the hospital sick with COVID. Please wire money right away,'' to calls from supposed Good Samaritans offering to run errands and then pocketing the money, scammers are using the pandemic to take advantage of vulnerable populations. They are preying on fear and uncertainty to steal money and personal information or sell fraudulent services or products.

One of the best ways to prevent seniors from falling victim to scams is to supply them with the information they need. That is why H.R. 446 requires the FTC to report on the number and type of scams that target older adults. It also will have the Commission's web portal updated with current information about such scams and coordination with media outlets and law enforcement to disseminate scam information. Seniors need to know what scams are happening in their areas so they can protect themselves.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Representative Balderson for joining me in leading this legislation and Chairman Pallone for his support in advancing legislation to protect our seniors.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source