S. 3355: National Strategy for Combating Scams Act of 2025

The National Strategy for Combating Scams Act of 2025 aims to create a comprehensive national approach to prevent and combat scams in the United States. Here are the key aspects of the bill:

Findings

The bill recognizes that:

• Over 141 million adults in the U.S. have lost money to scams or had their sensitive information fraudulently used.
• In 2024, consumers reported losses exceeding $12 billion due to fraud, with imposter scams being the most prevalent.
• Scammers are increasingly using advanced technology, including generative artificial intelligence, to deceive victims.
• Older adults are particularly vulnerable to scams, which can harm their mental health and financial resources.
• Multiple federal agencies work independently on scam prevention, indicating a lack of coordinated effort.
• The Government Accountability Office suggests that the FBI should lead the development of a national scam strategy.

National Strategy Development

The bill establishes a framework for forming a working group led by the FBI, which will include representatives from various federal agencies, such as:

• The Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
• The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)
• The Department of Health and Human Services
• The Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
• And several others across financial, law enforcement, and consumer protection sectors.

Objectives of the National Scam Strategy

The working group will be responsible for:

• Gathering feedback from stakeholders, including scam survivors and advocacy groups.
• Defining "scam" for use by federal agencies.
• Evaluating risks associated with scams and formulating preventative measures.
• Establishing roles for various agencies in combatting scams.
• Creating a unified system for consumer complaint reporting related to scams across federal entities.
• Increasing collaboration between federal and private sectors to prevent and respond to scams.
• Coordinating rapid response protocols to warn consumers about emerging scams.

Submission and Publication of the Strategy

The working group must submit the completed National Strategy within two years after its formation, which will subsequently be made publicly available. This report will also be updated at least every five years to reflect new insights and approaches.

Definition and Adoption of "Scam"

Within one year of publishing the National Strategy, key federal agencies like the FBI, FTC, and CFPB must adopt the common definition of "scam" as laid out in the strategy. If this definition is updated in future versions of the strategy, these agencies are required to adapt their definitions accordingly within a year.

Relevant Companies

None found.