Tag Archives for Senator Kristen Gillibrand

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

Senate Aging Committee Seeks Renewal of Older Americans Act 

Published in RINewsToday on November 10, 2025

 With over 359 days until the mid-term elections, the U.S. Senate Select Committee on Aging held a hearing last week to emphasize the need for reauthorizing the Older Americans Act (OAA), a crucial piece of federal legislation that expired the previous year. The hearing highlighted the key role OAA plays in assisting Americans living with age-related diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, as well as their caregivers.

Last reauthorized in 2020, the OAA expired during the 118th Congress. S. 4776, introduced by Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, and Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT), the committee’s ranking member, passed the Senate by unanimous consent last year. However, the House failed to pass a companion measure due to unrelated political disagreements.

Senate Bipartisan Bill Introduced to Reauthorize the OAA

On June 18, 2025, Chairman Cassidy, alongside nine co-sponsors, reintroduced the OAA Reauthorization Act of 2025 (S. 2120). This 91-page bill would authorize new funding a strengthen services for older Americans. The bipartisan bill was referred to the Senate HELP Committee the day it was introduced, where hearings, markups, and a committee vote are expected. If approved, it will move to the full Senate. As of press time, a companion bill had not yet been introduced in the House.

 Chairman Cassidy’s co-sponsors include Senators Bernie Sanders, Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Rick Scott (R-FL), chair of the Senate Special Committee on Aging, Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Ed Markey (D-MA), Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), and Susan Collins (R-ME).

 Although S. 2120 closely mirrors last year’s S. 4776, there are notable differences. Specifically, it would reauthorize OAA programs through FY 2030 and increase funding by 18% over the next four years. It also includes measures to promote innovation, strengthen the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, and expand the National Family Caregiver Support Program. Additionally, the bill aims to improve services for Tribal elders and older adults with disabilities, ensuring these populations remain active and supported in their communities.

 S. 2120 would also address elder abuse by establishing a clearinghouse for best practices, focusing on legal and protective services to strengthen state ombudsman programs, adult protective services, and related legal supports.

 Senate Aging Committee Hearing Highlights Call for S. 2120 Passage

 On November 5, 2025, Chairman Rick Scott (R-FL) and Ranking Member Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) of the Senate Aging Committee held a full committee hearing titled “Renewing Our Commitment: How the Older Americans Act Uplifts Families Living with Aging-Related Diseases.” The hearing, which took place in SD-216 at 3:30 p.m., focused on how OAA-funded programs provide critical support to millions of Americans with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. The goal of the hearing was to push for the passage of S. 2120 with bipartisan support.

In his opening statement, Chairman Scott emphasized the importance of reauthorizing the OAA to ensure that programs and services keep pace with a rapidly growing aging population—one increasingly affected by Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, placing greater demands on caregivers.

“More than 7 million older Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease, and nearly 1 million are affected by Parkinson’s,” said Scott. “Behind these numbers are caregivers—a husband, a wife, a son, or a daughter—providing unpaid, around-the-clock care.”

“Every service made possible by this law [OAA] represents compassion made real,” he added.

Ranking Member Gillibrand opening statement pointed out that most people are unaware of the OAA’s existence, despite the fact that one in six older adults benefit from its programs. “In 2024, the OAA generated 3.39 times its investment in community value and taxpayer savings. Through efficient service delivery, older adults avoided 1.9 million days of long-term hospital stays and institutional care,” she said.

“It’s not the time to take our foot off the gas,” Gillibrand continued. “Even though there have been minimal interruptions in service delivery since the Act’s authorization expired last year, it is vital that we pass a reauthorization this fall to modernize the statute and reflect the evolving needs of older adults.”

The three witnesses at this Senate Aging Committee hearing shared how OAA-funded services—such as adult day centers, home-delivered meals, caregiver support, and specialized exercise programs—helped them to maintain their health, and independence. They pointed out that these community-based services not only provided caregivers with the critical support, more important they were cost-effective alternatives to more costly nursing home care.

Key Testimonies Highlight the Impact of OAA Programs

Erick Montealegre, a volunteer community educator for the Alzheimer’s Association and a caregiver for his father, who was diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment, told the panel that adult day care centers and home-delivered meals—funded by the OAA—had made a “world of difference” in his father’s quality of life, providing essential respite care for his family.

Montealegre highlighted the importance of these programs being culturally and linguistically appropriate. His 84-year-old father, who had lost the ability to speak English and reverted to speaking his native Spanish, benefitted greatly from services that met his language needs.

“This hearing is especially meaningful to me because it’s taking place in November, National Family Caregivers Month,” Montealegre noted. In conclusion, he said, “Reauthorizing and strengthening the Older Americans Act is an investment in our families, our dignity, and our community.”

Steve Sappington, who has lived with Parkinson’s disease for the past ten years, explained that an OAA-supported exercise program, Rock Steady Boxing, has significantly slowed the progression of his symptoms. Recounting his experiences in living with Parkinson’s, he noted that he went eight years without having to increase his Parkinson’s medication after starting the boxing program. His neurologist called it a “miracle” and said he had never seen anything like it before.

“Programs like ours are possible because of the foundation laid by the OAA,” Sappington said. “Local OAA-funded services—such as transportation, congregate and home-delivered meals, caregiver support, adult day services, and other vital programs—make it possible for older adults like me to stay active and connected.” He urged Congress to reauthorize the OAA to ensure continued support for these essential services.

However, Sappington also pointed out that many older adults remain unaware of the services available to them, emphasizing the need for culturally competent outreach, particularly to low-income, rural, and minority communities.

 Duana Patton, Chief Executive Director of the Ohio District Five Area Agency on Aging and Board President of USAging, emphasized that Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) serve as the “front door” to a network of local, community-based services. She argued that the OAA represents a cost-effective investment for the federal government, as its programs help older adults remain in their communities, which is far less expensive than placement in costly nursing homes.

 “The longer older adults can successfully age at home, the better it is financially for families and the federal government,” Patton explained. Having worked in the AAA field for over 31 years, she cited the example of “Ms. Gray,” a client who, after receiving in-home personal care and meals funded by the OAA, no longer required hospital readmissions due to the significant improvements in her health.

The witnesses stressed that the OAA needs to be promptly reauthorized, strengthened, and modernized to provide local agencies with the flexibility required to meet the evolving needs of their communities.

 A Final Note…

“We hope the Senate’s OAA reauthorization bill (S. 2120) can move forward soon, either under Unanimous Consent or attached to another legislative vehicle,” says Amy Gotwals, Chief of Public Policy and External Affairs at USAging. “While the House has yet to announce a specific plan, USAging, along with other aging organizations, is advocating for a bipartisan, bicameral bill that will pass before the end of the year.”

Gotwals notes that, although the reauthorization is important, it is not immediately necessary to ensure continued funding for the OAA. “President Trump’s budget, along with both the Senate and House FY 2026 bills, protect all but one OAA program—the Title V Senior Community Service Employment Program. If there’s a year-long Continuing Resolution, all programs will be protected,” she adds.

 “The shutdown remains our biggest challenge right now,” Gotwals concludes.

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.