Rep. Troy Balderson
Bipartisan legislation introduced by U.S. Rep. Troy Balderson (R-OH) that aims to thwart scams against America’s senior citizens during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and other public health emergencies last week received approval from the U.S. House of Representatives and advanced to the U.S. Senate for action.
“Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, uncertainty has led to many Americans falling victim to scam callers – especially vulnerable populations like seniors,” Rep. Balderson said. “We have a responsibility to stop bad actors, like these scam artists, in their tracks. That starts by empowering the American people with information to better protect themselves and their loved ones from falling victim.”
The Protecting Seniors From Emergency Scams Act, H.R. 446, which Rep. Balderson cosponsored on Jan. 25 with bill sponsor U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly (D-IL), would require the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to report on and increase awareness regarding scams targeting older adults, according to the congressional record bill summary.
If enacted, the bill would require the FTC to specifically report on the number and type of scams that target older adults and provide policy recommendations to prevent such scams; revise its web portal with current information about such scams, including contact information for law enforcement and adult protective services agencies; and coordinate with media outlets and law enforcement to disseminate such information, the summary says.
The House on April 15 voted 413-8 to pass H.R. 446, which is endorsed by AARP, the Elder Justice Coalition, the American Society on Aging, and the National Adult Protective Services Association.
U.S. Sens. Jerry Moran (R-KS) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) introduced the identical bill, S. 15, in the Senate, where it is under consideration by members of the U.S. Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee.