Young launches bipartisan task force to combat identity theft, fraud

U.S. Rep. David Young (R-IA) launched a bipartisan task force on Thursday that will work to combat identity theft and fraud.

Young and U.S. Rep. Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ) launched the Bipartisan Task Force to Combat Identity Theft and Fraud by introducing the Justice for Victims of IRS Scams and Identity Theft Act, H.R. 5345.

“Scams and identity theft are increasingly complex and growing problems, and many folks in Iowa and across the country are at risk of having their identity, bank or credit card numbers, and other personal information stolen,” Young said. “Our bipartisan task force will thoroughly examine the scope of fraud and how best to address it. I am encouraged by this opportunity to work with Congresswoman Sinema in leading our colleagues in tackling such an important and widespread issue.”

Under the Justice for Victims of IRS Scams and Identity Theft Act, the Department of Justice would be required to draft a plan to review cases of identity theft or fraud related to the IRS, and to report to Congress about current scams and fraudulent practices.

“Americans lose billions of dollars each year to identity theft and financial fraud,” Sinema said. “We created this bipartisan task force to find real solutions that put an end to scams and fraud. By working together, we can protect Americans’ financial security.”

The bipartisan task force has 20 members, including U.S. Reps. Mike Bishop (R-MI), Carlos Curbelo (R-FL), Bob Dold (R-IL), Tom Emmer (R-MN), John Katko (R-NY), Tom MacArthur (R-NJ), Martha McSally (R-AZ), John Moolenaar (R-MI) and Elise Stefanik (R-NY).