H.R. 6426: Strengthening Task forces to Oppose Predatory Scams Against Seniors Act

The proposed bill, titled the "Strengthening Task forces to Oppose Predatory Scams Against Seniors Act" or "STOP Scams Against Seniors Act," aims to enhance the protection of senior citizens from financial exploitation and scams. It seeks to amend the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 by allowing funds from the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program to be used for the establishment and operation of elder justice task forces.

Key Provisions of the Bill

• Establishment of Task Forces: The bill authorizes the use of funds to create elder justice task forces specifically designed to deal with financial exploitation, scams, and fraud that primarily target individuals aged 60 and older.
• Coordination Among Agencies: These task forces may include or work alongside various entities, such as state and local law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, adult protective services professionals, and federal agencies like the FBI, FTC, Department of Justice, and the Secret Service.
• Reporting Requirements: Task forces that receive grant funding are required to report on their activities. This includes:
  • The number of cases initiated and investigated by the task force during the grant period.
  • The number of victims assisted, including support, legal help, or restitution provided.
  • Details about the types of scams and how victims were contacted by the perpetrators.
  • Any indicators of organized or transnational criminal activity related to the scams.
• Annual Reports to Congress: The Attorney General is required to provide an annual report to Congress summarizing the data collected from the elder justice task forces.

The goal of the bill is to create a coordinated approach to combatting fraud against seniors, improve reporting on the prevalence of these crimes, and enhance support for victims. By facilitating cooperation among various agencies, the bill aims to strengthen the overall response to the growing issue of financial exploitation of elder individuals.

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