---

A national law enforcement advocacy group is urging Congress to pass legislation intended to help police investigate the growing number of scams targeting older Americans.

The National Police Association announced its endorsement of the Strengthening Task Forces to Oppose Predatory Scams Against Seniors Act, commonly called the STOP Scams Against Seniors Act.

The legislation would authorize state and local governments to use money from the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program to establish and operate elder justice task forces.

Those task forces could bring together local and state law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and adult protective services professionals. They could also coordinate with the FBI, Federal Trade Commission, Justice Department, and Secret Service.

Supporters say that cooperation is needed because many fraud investigations cross state and national borders, making them difficult for a single local police department to handle.

“Every senior deserves protection from having their life savings swindled,” Paula Fitzsimmons, legislative director for the National Police Association, said in the group’s announcement.

Fitzsimmons said local agencies often lack the staffing and resources needed to conduct lengthy and technically complicated financial crime investigations.

---

What the legislation would do

The bill would apply to scams, fraud, and financial exploitation primarily targeting people aged 60 and older. In addition to investigating criminals, task forces could provide victims with support, legal assistance, or help in obtaining restitution.

Agencies receiving grants for these task forces would be required to report information, including:

• The number of cases opened and completed
• The number of victims receiving support, legal assistance, or restitution
• The types of scams involved and how scammers first contacted victims
• Evidence of organized or international criminal activity

The U.S. attorney general would then provide Congress with an annual summary of the results.

Importantly, the proposal would not establish a new stream of federal money exclusively for senior scams. Instead, it would specifically authorize governments to use existing Byrne grant funds for elder justice task forces.

---

Losses continue to climb

The National Police Association said older adults reported losing more than $3 billion to fraud in 2025 and warned that the true total is likely higher because many victims never report their losses.

Fraud has become increasingly costly for consumers of all ages. The FTC said Americans reported losing approximately $16 billion to fraud during 2025, an increase of about 25% from the previous year. Imposter scams alone produced reported losses of $3.5 billion, according to the agency.

The Senate version, S. 4821, was introduced June 17 by Sen. Ashley Moody, R-Fla., and referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee. Rep. Gabe Amo, D-R.I., introduced the House version, H.R. 6426. Neither version had passed its chamber at the time of the National Police Association’s endorsement.

The proposal has also received support from organizations including AARP, the National Crime Prevention Council, the Rhode Island Police Chiefs Association, and the Stop Scams Alliance.