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Congress Moves on a National Anti-Scam Strategy to Protect Older Adults

Published in RINewsToday on December 8, 2025

Last month, the AARP, recognizing that the holiday season leading up to Christmas is widely viewed as “prime time” for scams targeting older Americans, released findings from its 2025 Holiday Shopping and Scams Survey. According to the AARP Fraud Watch Network, fraud aimed at online shoppers and holiday donors continues to skyrocket.

With Christmas fast approaching, millions of Americans are preparing to shop and give online. The Survey, released just nine days before Thanksgiving, reveals that a majority of U.S. adults (89%) have encountered at least one scam. These include fake notifications about shipment issues (55%), phony charity appeals (35%), misleading digital ads (39%), and even the physical theft of packages from porches (30%). More than half of adults said they received a fake shipping notice this year, while nearly four in ten encountered deceptive ads on social media.

“Criminals are relentless during the holidays, exploiting the many opportunities that come with a busy season—from shopping and traveling to charitable giving,” said Kathy Stokes, Director of Fraud Prevention Programs at the AARP Fraud Watch Network, in a Nov. 18 statement.  “Understanding how they operate is the first step toward protecting yourself and your loved ones,” she says.

Although online scams continue to rise, many consumers still prefer using debit cards—even though recouping funds taken from a victim’s bank account often takes far longer than resolving a disputed credit card charge. Still, the report shows that safer payment habits are gaining ground.

While 72% of consumers plan to use a debit card this year, credit card use is up significantly from 2024 (64%), with nearly seven in ten planning to use a credit card during the upcoming holiday season.

The survey also found that 64% of consumers who plan to purchase gift cards this season expect to buy them off the rack at retail stores, such as grocery stores or pharmacies. This continues to be a major vulnerability: 33% of U.S. adults reported giving or receiving a gift card with no balance. Fraudsters often record the card number, expose and reseal the PIN, then wait for activation before draining the funds.

Consumers are increasingly targeted through peer-to-peer (P2P) payment apps as well, with two in five users reporting that they have sent money to someone they did not know. Despite growing awareness, many people still underestimate the risks of using debit cards or fail to verify charitable organizations before donating.

New Federal Plan Aims to Protect Seniors

AARP’s survey found that 92% of respondents—across liberal, moderate, and conservative viewpoints—want Congress to do more to protect older adults from fraud. And Congress appears to be listening.

Last week, U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), ranking member of the Senate Aging Committee, held a Dec. 4 virtual press conference announcing the introduction of S. 3355, National Strategy for Combating Scams Act of 2025, legislation aimed at providing stronger safeguards for seniors this holiday season and beyond. This bill was referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee.  Gillibrand warned that financial scams, which cost Americans more than $16 billion last year, disproportionately harm older adults.

Throughout the event, Gillibrand underscored the economic hardship caused when older adults lose money to fraud. She noted the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence, which is enabling scammers to create more sophisticated and “hyper-realistic imposter scams” that require immediate government action.

Senate cosponsors include Sens. Rick Scott (R-FL), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), and Ashley Moody (R-FL). H.R. 6425, companion legislation is being led in the House by Reps. Gabe Amo (D-RI) and Derek Schmidt (R-KS).  Hopefully, we’ll see Rep. Seth Magaziner (D-RI) join Rep. Eleanor Homes Del Norton (D-District of Columbia) and Rep. Sarah McBride (D-DE) as cosponsors.

According to Gillibrand, more than four in ten Americans say they have lost money to scams or had their sensitive information stolen. Older adults account for an estimated 30% of financial losses, with an average loss of $83,000 per incident. Gillibrand shared the story of a 75-year-old man who received up to five scam calls each day and a senior woman who lost $39,000.

The Government Accountability Office (GAO), often referred to as Congress’s watchdog, recently identified at least 13 federal agencies conducting anti-scam efforts, each working independently under different mandates. GAO recommended that the FBI take the lead in establishing a unified National Strategy for Combating Scams. Gillibrand’s bill would give the FBI a legal obligation to implement that framework.

During the press conference, Gillibrand also addressed underreporting, noting that many victims—like her own aunt who lost $5,000 to a scammer impersonating an FBI agent—feel too embarrassed to tell family members or law enforcement. She shared the story in response to a question from Brian O’Neill, host of Newsmaker on WLEA Radio, underscoring how shame and secrecy allow scammers to continue exploiting vulnerable individuals.

“I’m proud to introduce the bipartisan National Strategy for Combating Scams Act to help make sure seniors don’t get scrooged this holiday season,” said Gillibrand. “It’s clear that we need a coordinated national strategy to tackle the increasingly sophisticated scams targeting our seniors, and this legislation would bring that to fruition. I look forward to working with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to get this vital bill across the finish line.”

Sen.Rick Scott (R-FL), chair of the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging, added: “Families across the country are being hammered by increasingly sophisticated scams, and Washington has been far too slow to respond. This bipartisan effort finally brings federal agencies together, cuts duplication, and creates a real national plan to protect seniors and hardworking Americans.

AARP, which represents 125 million adults age 50 and over, strongly endorses the National Strategy for Combating Scams Act of 2025. “The strategy encourages smarter use of technology, better data collection, and stronger partnerships with banks, tech companies, and law enforcement to help prevent scams and support victims. And it prioritizes making resources easier to access, providing more effective recovery for those who’ve been targeted,” says AARP’s Jennifer Jones, vice president of Financial Security & Livable Communities, Government Affairs.

House Considers Companion Anti-Scam Bill

On the House side, Rep. Amo introduces a companion measure (H.R. 6425). “Too many Rhode Islanders have been taken for a ride by scammers skimming their pockets and stealing their hard-earned money, leaving many devastated and destitute,” he said. “I’m proud to introduce the bipartisan National Strategy for Combating Scams Act to ensure we are addressing the rising scam threat in a coordinated and strategic manner.”

According to the FBI, Rhode Islanders lost $6,309,411 to senior fraud in 2024 alone. Earlier this year, Amo launched the bipartisan Stop Scams Caucus to combat financial fraud, cyber scams, and cross-border criminal networks. In Rhode Island, he also convened a roundtable discussion at the Middletown Senior Center focused on scam prevention.

The National Strategy for Combating Scams Act is endorsed by a broad coalition of national organizations, including AARP, Aspen Institute Financial Security Program, Chamber of Progress, Global Anti-Scam Alliance, Justice in Aging, the National Adult Protective Services Association (NAPSA), National Association of Social Workers, National Asian Pacific Center on Aging, National Caucus and Center on Black Aging, National Sheriffs’ Association, Stop Scams Alliance, and many others.

To view AARP’s holiday scam report, go to https://www.aarp.org/content/dam/aarp/research/topics/work-finances-retirement/fraud-consumer-protection/holiday-shopping-scams-2025.doi.10.26419-2fres.00992.001.pdf

Fraud Schemes Targeting Older Adults: Senate Aging Committee Sounds Alarm

Published in RINewsToday on July 21, 2025

“Congratulations! We are pleased to inform you that you are one of our lucky winners,” read the letter.

The official-looking correspondence—purportedly from the desk of the Vice President, International Promotions/Prize Award Department of Publishers Clearing House (PCH)—continued:

“On behalf of the members and staff of PCH, the Association of North America Lottery, and Provincial Sweepstakes, we sincerely congratulate you on your grand prize winnings of $750,000… Please contact your claims agent to arrange method of payment.”

Enclosed was a check, appearing legitimate, allegedly issued by Northern Fairfield Insurance (NFI) of Danbury, Connecticut, from a Webster Bank account, in the amount of $9,700.65.

According to the letter, the check was intended to help cover taxes, handling, and processing fees related to the prize.

Northern Fairfield Insurance, established in 1998, is a small firm with just three employees, including its owner, Jim Ostrove. Nearly two weeks ago, Ostrove began receiving calls—mine among them—asking whether the PCH letter and enclosed check were legitimate.

“The volume has tapered off by the day,” he admits, noting that “we’re no longer receiving any calls.”

A quick call to NFI confirmed my suspicions: the letter, marked “Confidential,” was a scam. In conversation with Ostrove, he said, “I felt violated and angry.”

Concerned, Ostrove contacted Webster Bank—the financial institution listed on the counterfeit check—to confirm that no account had been set up in his company’s name. The bank quickly verified this, noting that the check’s routing number was invalid and had no connection to a legitimate account. “Looking closely at the PCH check, I also realized that the name of my insurance company was misspelled,” Ostrove added.

Ostrove says the bank’s fraud unit was very helpful and confirmed the check was fake. His concerns about any potential financial fallout for his business were eased, he says.

Although Ostrove filed a police report, he had no real expectation that the scammers would be caught. “I just wanted the report on file in case someone came forward about the reward and tried to hold me financially responsible,” he said.

“My report made it very clear that I was a victim of fraud,” he emphasized.

According to the Federal Trade Commission, victims reported nearly $350 million in losses to prize, sweepstakes, and lottery-related scams in 2024.

Like me, the Better Business Bureau estimates that tens of thousands of individuals will receive similar scam mailings in 2025—complete with fake prize notifications, counterfeit checks, and fraudulent requests for payment or personal information. The actual number of victims may be much higher, as many incidents go unreported.

Senate Aging Committee Puts a Spotlight on Scams and Financial Exploitation

On Feb. 12, 2016, the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging announced the publication of its first full-year “Fraud Book,” Protecting Older Americans Against Fraud, covering the period from January 1 to December 31, 2015. These annual reports aim to raise awareness about the growing number of fraud schemes targeting older Americans and provide specific recommendations to combat them.

The latest, published just recently, is a 40-page multi-language annual report, Age of Fraud: Scams Facing Our Nation’s Seniors (Report No. 119-35 of the 119th Congress), and was released on July 10, 2025. It highlights the many forms of fraud—including grandparent scams, tech support fraud, financial service scams, travel and timeshare fraud, romance scams, and government impersonation schemes.

“These schemes often target emotional vulnerabilities, particularly among seniors facing loneliness, isolation, or depression,” note Chairman Rick Scott (R-Florida) and Ranking Member Kirsten Gillibrand (D-New York) in a statement announcing the newly released report.

The 2025 bipartisan report outlines the growing financial threats facing aging Americans and ways for seniors to identify red flags that provide warnings of scams, suggests practical tips on how to protect themselves, and how to report scams. This year’s edition underscores the alarming rise in sophisticated schemes, particularly those utilizing artificial intelligence (AI). In 2024 alone, fraud and scams cost seniors over $4.8 billion, with those aged 50–59 losing an additional $2.5 billion.

“Across our nation, older Americans are being targeted every day by increasingly sophisticated scams that rob them not only of their hard-earned savings but also of their security and peace of mind. These attacks are personal, and they are unacceptable,” says Scott, stressing that fighting fraud against older Americans will remain a top priority for the Committee.

“Through critical initiatives like National Slam the Scam Day and our toll-free Fraud Hotline, we are expanding access to education, prevention tools, and direct support to empower families to recognize fraud and respond quickly,” he says.

“This report shines a direct light on the scale and severity of the threat we’re facing, and we must be united in our determination to stay vigilant, informed, and proactive in defending our seniors,” adds Scott.

Gillibrand adds, “We must do everything we can to prevent and fight back against these scams, and that starts with monitoring fraud whenever and wherever it occurs. As Ranking Member of the Senate Aging Committee, I’m committed to continuing the fight against fraud, and I hope this Fraud Book is a valuable resource for our aging communities.”

The report serves as a significant wake-up call to Congress. Fraud continues to skyrocket, notes the Committee. Citing FBI data, 2024 was a record year for losses reported to the Internet Crime Complaint Center, totaling a staggering $16.6 billion. There were 859,532 complaints that year—and over 4.2 million complaints over the past five years.

The report also emphasizes that fraud targeting older adults is growing in both complexity and financial impact, making enhanced awareness, education, and robust support systems more critical than ever.

 According to the FBI, from 2023 to 2024:

  • Overall losses increased 33%, mostly due to fraud.
  • Average loss for those age 60 and older rose to $83,000.
  • Reports for this age group increased by 43%.
  • Cryptocurrency-related losses rose by 66%.
  • Complaints involving cryptocurrency kiosks increased by 99%.

To safeguard aging Americans from fraud, scams, and financial exploitation, the Senate Aging Committee has led two bipartisan efforts: one resolution designating March 6, 2025, as National Slam the Scam Day to raise awareness and educate the public about fraud prevention, and another recognizing May 2025 as Older Americans Month. Both efforts aim to inform and protect older adults while reinforcing the committee’s commitment to combating fraud through public education, legislative action, and advocacy for stronger safeguards—ensuring seniors can enjoy their golden years with greater security and peace of mind.

From the Ocean State

According to the 2025 Fraud Report, the Federal Trade Commission reported 11,776 complaints were filed in Rhode Island in 2024.

“Our team tracks patterns of scams reported to us throughout the year,” says Timothy M. Rondeau, Communications Director for the Rhode Island Office of the Attorney General. “This year, we’ve continued to see a wide range of fraudulent actors deceiving Rhode Islanders through romance scams, imposter scams, and scams involving cryptocurrency.”

According to Rondeau, while new scams aren’t necessarily emerging, the tools and methods used are evolving. “AI tools are increasingly used in imposter and romance scams, where AI-generated voices and videos deceive and manipulate victims,” he explains. “While we can’t always confirm AI involvement in each case, we know the use of AI makes it much harder—especially for older adults—to distinguish between real and fraudulent interactions.”

For more information about common scams or to file a complaint, Rhode Islanders can visit: riag.ri.gov/scams

If you or someone you know has been a victim—or suspects they’ve been targeted—please call the Senate Aging Committee’s Fraud Hotline at 1-855-303-9470 (open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time). If you’d like a member of the committee’s team to return your inquiry, please include your phone number in the web form.

Go here to read the Senate Aging Committees 2025 Fraud Report,

The US Dept. of Justice released this information in recognition of Elder Abuse Awareness Day – The Justice Department Highlights Enforcement Efforts Protecting Older Americans from Transnational Fraud Schemes in Recognition of 2025 World Elder Abuse Awareness Day contains specific information on each type of fraud and what the US Government is doing to shut it down.

AARP offers  Tips on Protecting Yourself Against Fraud.

AARP also has a Fraud Watch Network.

Lawmakers consider bill to combat fraud at crypto kiosks

Published in RINewsToday on April 7, 2025

Maybe the second time will be the charm. After the Rhode Island General Assembly failed to address the issue of preventing criminals from using cryptocurrency (Crypto) ATMs to steal from older Rhode Islanders, AARP Rhode Island is renewing its effort to regulate the state’s 120 crypto kiosks and safeguard older residents.

More than 45,000 crypto kiosks, which resemble bank ATMs, allow users to conduct legitimate cryptocurrency transactions, such as sending money to digital wallets. However, unlike banks and other financial services, these kiosks in Rhode Island are not regulated and lack critical fraud protections.

In 2023, the FBI received over 5,500 complaints involving crypto kiosks, with older adults disproportionately affected by scams. In Rhode Island alone, victims lost $10 million to cryptocurrency scams. The Rhode Island State Police also reported a rise in cryptocurrency ATM scams, with 40 cases reported in 2024 and already 21 cases in early 2025.

With fraud spreading through supermarkets, convenience stores, and gas stations, the Washington, D.C. based AARP is working with 17 of its state affiliates, including Rhode Island, to draft and pass bills incorporating daily transaction limits, state operator licensing requirements, scam warnings, and refund options for fraud victims.

Fighting Fraud and Exploitation

Introduced on Jan. 22, 2025, HB 5121, introduced by Rep. Julie Casimiro (D-Dist. 31, North Kingstown, Exeter), aims to license cryptocurrency kiosk operators and mandate the posting of fraud warnings. It also requires Kiosks to display terms and conditions before transactions, including any fees charged and exchange rates. Additionally, it would set fee caps at either $5 or 3% per transaction, and mandate paper receipts containing relevant transactional information.  The bill was referred to the House Committee on Innovation & Technology.

The bill would also require crypto operators to refund transactions and ATM fees in cases of fraud, and impose daily transaction limits to mitigate high-risk  transactions.

On Feb. 11, 2025, the House Committee on Innovation & Technology held its hearing to discuss HB 5121. Supporters and critics testified on its merit.

Written Testimony Highlights


Catherine Taylor, AARP Rhode Island’s State Director, urged lawmakers to pass HB 5121, citing the growing issue of crypto fraud. She referenced Federal Trade Commission (FTC) data showing that, in 2022, the actual amount stolen through fraud was likely closer to $137.4 billion – far exceeding the report $9 billion.

Matthew Netto, AARP Associate State Director, also submitted written testimony, citing a 2023 case where the founders of the Bitcoin of America ATM network were arrested for money laundering and conspiracy (in Ohio), with a focus on defrauding elderly victims. He emphasized that while cryptocurrency is a legitimate form of currency, gaining in popularity, it has become an increasingly attractive tool for criminals. He called on lawmakers to protect older Rhode Islanders, stating that the point of transfer is the best place to deter crime.

Attorney General Peter F. Neronha echoed these concerns, noting the difficulties of navigating the volatile crypto market.  Rhode Island’s top law enforcement officer urged lawmakers to adopt regulations for the operation of crypto kiosks and requiring disclosure of all material risks prior to virtual currency transactions.

Larry Lipka, General Counsel for Coinflip, a global digital currency platform company, expressed cautious support for HB 5121, stating his company supports most provision, some elements – such as the fee cap and physical receipt requirement – could inadvertently encourage less transparency and compliance efforts that help protect consumers. He also raised concern about the bill’s transaction limits, which could undermine anti-money laundering efforts.

Ethan McClelland, Bitcoin Depot’s Director of Government Relations also expressed support for the bill but warned that certain provisions, particularly daily transaction limits and the fee cap, would make it difficult for operators to continue operating in Rhode Island. The company is the largest operator of cryptocurrency kiosks in the United States.

Sen. Victoria Gu (D-Dist. 38, Westerly, Charlestown, South Kingston), introduced, SB 16, the Senate companion measure.  After a March 18, 2025 hearing before the Senate Commerce Commit the legislative proposal was held for further study.


The Art of Compromise
Following concerns raised during the hearings, the House committee recommended further study of HB 5121. Subsequently, AARP Rhode Island met with Rep. Julie Casimiro, the sponsor of HB 5121, and crypto industry representatives, leading to compromises that satisfied both regulatory advocates and the crypto ATM industry.

As a result of this compromise, the revised version of  HB 5121 was passed on March 27, 2025, by a vote of 10-0.  HB 5121 Sub. A sets daily transaction limits of $2,000 for new customers and $5,000 for existing customers, aligning with regulations in Connecticut.  The fee cap provisions were removed, and physical receipt requirements will take effect in Nov. 2025, while other provisions become law upon passage.

The initial bill required operators to provide full refunds to new customers. In the revised version, new customers must request a full refund within 30 days if they claim fraudulent inducement.

Looking Ahead

The House is expected to vote on HB 5121 Substitute A on Thursday, April 10, 2025. If it passes the Senate must act. With three months left in the 2025 legislative session, an amended version of SB has yet to be introduced.  However, there is ample time for the Senate to amend SB 16 to align with the House version.  Once both chambers pass identical bills, they must be signed by Governor Dan McKee to become law.

If the crypto regulation bill does not pass the Rhode Island General Assembly this year, lawmakers may try again next year.  Will the third time be the charm?

Attorney General Peter Neronha, General Treasurer James Diossa, Senior Agenda Coalition of RI, Westerly Police Department, the Village Common of Rhode Island, Rhode Island Coalition of Elder Justice, Rhode Island State Police and dozens of older Rhode Islanders join the AARP in supporting HB 5121 Sub. A and SB 16.

To watch the House Committee on Innovation & Technology’s  Feb. 11 hearing (HB 5121), go to https://capitoltvri.cablecast.tv/show/10801?site=1. Or its March 27 hearing, go to https://capitoltvri.cablecast.tv/show/11030?site=1.

To watch the Senate Commerce Committees March 18 hearing (SB 16), go to https://capitoltvri.cablecast.tv/show/10973?site=1

AARP provides tips and resources on how you can protect yourself against cryptocurrency ATM scams, go to  https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/crypto-atm/.