# Understanding the Protecting Seniors from Emergency Scams Act

This bill tackles a growing problem: scammers who specifically target older adults during emergencies like natural disasters, pandemics, or other crises. During these chaotic times, seniors become especially vulnerable to fraud—scammers might pose as government officials offering disaster relief, fake charities collecting donations, or tech support claiming to fix "emergency" computer problems. This bill doesn't create new laws against scamming, but rather requires the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to pay closer attention to these emergency-related scams and share what they learn.

The bill requires the FTC to include specific information in its regular reports to Congress about scams targeting seniors. Specifically, the FTC must describe how many emergency-related scams they've identified, what types they are, and what enforcement actions they've taken against scammers. The agency also has to provide recommendations for preventing these scams in future emergencies. This means Congress and the public will have better data about what's actually happening and what works to stop it.

Additionally, the bill asks the FTC to create an updated online resource where people can find current information about scams targeting seniors, organized by region and type of scam. The FTC will also work with news outlets and local law enforcement to spread this information to seniors, their families, and caregivers. The goal is simple: give older adults and those who care about them the tools and knowledge to recognize and avoid these scams before they lose money or personal information. For most people, this bill means better public awareness and a government agency more focused on protecting vulnerable seniors during times of crisis.

Protecting Seniors from Emergency Scams Act

Kelly, Robin L.

Protecting Seniors from Emergency Scams Act This bill requires the Federal Trade Commission to report on, and increase awareness regarding, scams disproportionately impacting older adults. Specifically, the commission must<ul><li>report on the number and types of scams that disproportionately impact&nbsp;older adults during emergencies, report on the enforcement actions taken with respect to such scams, and provide policy recommendations to prevent such scams;</li><li>revise the commission's web portal to include current information about scams that disproportionately impact older adults, including information about how consumers can report such scams; and</li><li>coordinate with media outlets and law enforcement to disseminate such information.</li></ul>