Strategic Task Force on Scam Prevention Act

Bill Number: H.R. 5967
Origin Chamber: House
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 1
Policy Area: Commerce
Status: Introduced
Latest Action: 2025-11-07: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Last Updated: 2026-04-28T08:06:18Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

The Strategic Task Force on Scam Prevention Act (H.R. 5967) aims to combat scams by establishing a coordinated federal effort. It directs the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) to create an interagency task force that develops and implements a national strategy to prevent scams, educate the public, enforce laws, and support victims.

Key Provisions

Establishment and Composition: The FTC, working with the DOJ, must convene a task force including representatives from key federal agencies, such as:
Department of Homeland Security (including the U.S. Secret Service).
Department of Justice (including the Federal Bureau of Investigation).
Department of State, Treasury, and Veterans Affairs.
Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Social Security Administration (SSA), and U.S. Postal Service.
Duties: The task force must:
Develop a national strategy using existing tools like the FTC's Consumer Sentinel Network (a database for consumer complaints) and the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (a reporting hub for online crimes).
Promote public education on scams.
Coordinate with industry, especially online platforms.
Pursue enforcement actions under current laws related to money laundering (hiding illegal funds), human trafficking (exploiting people for profit), and fraud (deceptive practices).
Collaborate with international partners.
Create strategies to minimize financial losses from scams and improve resources for victims to recover funds.
Reporting Requirement: Within one year of the bill's enactment, the task force must submit a report to Congress detailing its actions and make it publicly available.
Consultation: The task force must seek input from consumer advocacy groups, various industries (e.g., banking, artificial intelligence apps, cryptocurrency, social media, and communications providers), state attorneys general, state securities regulators, and local law enforcement.
Duration: The task force will operate for 10 years from the date of enactment, after which it terminates.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This bill introduces a new interagency task force, which does not exist under current law. It mandates formal coordination among federal agencies and requires consultation with non-federal entities, building on existing anti-fraud tools without creating new enforcement powers. It emphasizes a proactive, multi-year strategy focused on scams, which were previously addressed in a more fragmented way across agencies.

Potential Impacts

Government Agencies: Increases collaboration among federal bodies like the FTC, DOJ, and others, potentially streamlining investigations and resource sharing but adding administrative workload for task force participation.
Citizens: Enhances scam prevention through better public awareness, faster enforcement, and improved victim recovery options, which could reduce financial harm from fraud (e.g., identity theft or online schemes) affecting individuals, veterans, and seniors.
International Relations: Promotes partnerships with foreign governments to tackle cross-border scams, potentially strengthening U.S. efforts against global cybercrime without altering trade or diplomatic policies.

Main Stakeholders Affected

Federal Agencies: FTC, DOJ, FBI, Secret Service, and others listed, who will lead or participate in the task force.
Consumers and Victims: Individuals targeted by scams, including vulnerable groups like veterans and Social Security recipients, who stand to benefit from education and recovery support.
Industry Sectors: Banking, tech (e.g., AI, social media, search engines), cryptocurrency, and communications companies, required to consult and potentially assist in prevention.
State and Local Entities: Attorneys general, securities commissions, and law enforcement, involved in consultations to align efforts.
Advocacy Groups: Organizations focused on consumer protection and fraud prevention, providing input to shape the strategy.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

Legal: Relies on existing authorities (e.g., anti-fraud and anti-money laundering laws) without granting new powers, avoiding challenges to statutory limits. The 10-year sunset clause ensures temporary nature, allowing future Congresses to reassess.
Constitutional: No apparent issues, as it involves executive branch coordination and reporting to Congress, aligning with separation of powers and federal oversight roles.
Political: Bipartisan sponsorship (from both parties) signals broad support for consumer protection. It could influence future anti-crime legislation by highlighting interagency models, but termination after 10 years limits long-term commitments.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Menendez, Robert [D-NJ-8]

Cosponsors (15)

Rep. Houchin, Erin [R-IN-9], Rep. Craig, Angie [D-MN-2], Rep. Dingell, Debbie [D-MI-6], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Whitesides, George [D-CA-27], Rep. McClellan, Jennifer L. [D-VA-4], Rep. Thompson, Mike [D-CA-4], Rep. Kelly, Robin L. [D-IL-2], Rep. Carter, Troy A. [D-LA-2], Rep. Subramanyam, Suhas [D-VA-10], Rep. Tran, Derek [D-CA-45], Rep. Castor, Kathy [D-FL-14], Rep. Bell, Wesley [D-MO-1], Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1], Rep. Stanton, Greg [D-AZ-4]

Recent Actions

2025-11-07: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
2025-11-07: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
2025-11-07: Introduced in House
2025-11-07: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

Strategic Task Force on Scam Prevention Act — issued 2025-11-07 — PDF (5 pages)