Stop SCAMS Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 7215
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Finance and Financial Sector
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-01-22: Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committees on Energy and Commerce, and Financial Services, 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
- 2026-04-14T08:05:41Z
AI-Generated Summary
Summary of H.R. 7215 (Stop SCAMS Act)
Purpose
This bill directs the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), in coordination with the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection (CFPB) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), to lead a government-wide effort to counter scams through improved coordination, standardized definitions, data collection, and reporting on scam incidents and losses.
Key Provisions
- Government-wide strategy: Within one year of enactment, the FBI Director must develop and implement a coordinated strategy across federal agencies to counter scams, adopt a single definition of scams and scam types, and explore ways to harmonize data collection (including scam type, dollar loss, and payment method).
- National estimates: Within two years, the agencies must produce a single government-wide estimate of the number of consumers affected by scams annually (including unreported incidents) and the total dollar losses from such scams.
- Agency-specific requirements (due within one year):
- Each agency must report estimates of scam-related complaints received and associated dollar losses.
- Each agency must establish metrics and a plan to evaluate the effectiveness of its anti-scam training programs offered through in-person events and webinars.
- Public reporting: The agencies must include the complaint and loss estimates in any annual public reports on scams.
- Definitions: The bill defines “agency” per existing federal law and clarifies the roles of the FBI Director, CFPB (referred to as the Bureau), and FTC (referred to as the Commission).
Significant Changes to Existing Law
The legislation introduces new mandatory coordination and reporting obligations on the FBI, CFPB, and FTC. It does not amend specific statutes but adds requirements for unified scam definitions, data harmonization, and annual estimates that go beyond current agency practices.
Potential Impacts
- Government agencies: Requires increased interagency collaboration, standardized data practices, and evaluation of training programs, which may increase administrative workload for the FBI, CFPB, and FTC.
- Citizens: Aims to improve scam detection and prevention through better data and public reporting, potentially leading to more informed consumers and reduced financial losses.
- International relations: No direct provisions or impacts identified.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Federal agencies, primarily the FBI, CFPB, and FTC, along with other agencies the FBI Director may involve.
- Consumers who report or are victims of scams.
- Law enforcement and consumer protection entities involved in scam-related activities.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
The bill operates within Congress’s authority to direct executive agencies and does not appear to raise constitutional concerns. It emphasizes data standardization and transparency without creating new regulatory powers or penalties.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (2)
Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1], Rep. Van Drew, Jefferson [R-NJ-2]
Recent Actions
- 2026-01-22: Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committees on Energy and Commerce, and Financial Services, 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.
- 2026-01-22: Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committees on Energy and Commerce, and Financial Services, 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.
- 2026-01-22: Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committees on Energy and Commerce, and Financial Services, 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.
- 2026-01-22: Introduced in House
- 2026-01-22: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Stop Schemes, Cyberfraud, Abuse, Manipulation, and Swindles Act — issued 2026-01-22 — PDF (5 pages)