Reps. Blunt Rochester and Walberg Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Protect Seniors from Predatory Scams
Washington,
May 9, 2019
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Kyle Morse
(202-695-0494)
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representatives Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE-AL) and Tim Walberg (R-MI-7) introduced H.R. 2610, the Stop Senior Scams Act. The bipartisan Stop Senior Scams Act would establish a federal advisory council to coordinate industry and government agencies in developing tools for retailers to help stop a payment before it is made, so seniors don’t fall victim to fraud or scams. “We must do more to protect older Americans from being victimized by scammers,” said Congresswoman Blunt Rochester. “Annually, more than $3 billion is stolen from older Americans. Criminals take advantage of some of our most vulnerable Americans for their personal information and money with coercive tactics, like demanding payment for fake debts owed through wire transfer or gift card. I proudly introduced the Stop Senior Scams Act to empower the business community to help stop this fraud before it's too late.” “Michigan seniors have spent a lifetime working to save for a financially secure retirement,” said Congressman Walberg. “In the digital age, scams targeting seniors and their hard-earned money are growing in number and sophistication. Safeguarding vulnerable seniors needs to be a top priority. Our bipartisan legislation takes important steps to stop financial scammers from perpetrating fraud and taking advantage of our loved ones.” “Scams committed against vulnerable senior citizens living on meager savings or fixed incomes are deplorable. Retailers are more than willing to do our part to put these crimes to an end and help protect our nation’s seniors,” said Stephanie Martz, Senior Vice President and General Counsel at the National Retail Federation. “There is nothing more important than the relationship retailers have with their customers,” said Austen Jensen, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs at the Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA). “Retailers are committed to protecting our senior customers from scams and rip-offs. This bipartisan legislation will help coordinate the efforts of consumer advocates and other stakeholders to create a unified front against criminal elements targeting our most vulnerable citizens. The RILA applauds Congresswoman Blunt Rochester and Congressman Walberg for their bipartisan work on the Stop the Seniors Scam Act legislation.” Bill text for the Stop Senior Scams Act can be found here, and a fact sheet for the bill can found here. ### |
