Kelly Leads Effort to Combat Transnational Scam Networks Targeting Older Americans
Today, Arizona Senator Mark Kelly led a bipartisan letter to Secret Service Director Sean Curran, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent urging a coordinated federal strategy to disrupt transnational criminal networks behind online scams targeting older Americans. Kelly was joined by fellow members of the Senate Special Committee on Aging, Chair Rick Scott (R-FL), Ranking Member Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), and Senator Ashley Moody (R-FL).
According to the FBI, Americans over the age of 60 lost more than $3.4 billion to online scams in 2023 alone—an increase of over 80% in just two years. Many of these scams originate in “scam labor camps” located in Southeast Asia and other regions, where trafficked individuals are held under threat of violence to carry out fraudulent operations. Common tactics include tech support scams, cryptocurrency investment fraud, romance scams, and government impersonation.
“We are alarmed by increasing reports of scam labor camps operating in foreign countries, where individuals are trafficked or coerced into running fraud operations that primarily target seniors and other vulnerable populations in the United States. These organized criminal enterprises not only defraud Americans but also involve serious human rights violations. Addressing this issue requires enhanced diplomatic engagement, intelligence sharing, and cooperation with international law enforcement partners to identify, investigate, and dismantle these operations,” wrote the lawmakers.
The lawmakers emphasized that this issue goes beyond just financial loss: “Protecting seniors from fraud is not just a financial issue—it is a matter of public trust and security. I appreciate the work your agencies have already done to combat financial crimes, and I look forward to working with you to ensure that the federal government is doing everything possible to safeguard older Americans from these devastating scams.”
The letter outlines specific actions federal agencies should take to combat the threat:
- Enhance investigative efforts to track and dismantle international fraud networks that prey on seniors, including through partnerships with foreign law enforcement agencies.
- Expand efforts to combat scam labor camps, including holding accountable those responsible for human trafficking and forced participation in fraudulent activities.
- Strengthen public awareness campaigns to help seniors recognize and avoid fraudulent schemes before they become victims.
- Improve interagency coordination with the Federal Trade Commission, Department of Justice, and other relevant agencies to maximize resources and streamline enforcement.
- Increase transparency and reporting to Congress on current enforcement efforts, along with any additional resources or legislative recommendations needed to more effectively address the crisis.
The lawmakers requested a response by July 31, 2025, detailing current enforcement efforts and any further actions needed to protect older Americans from these growing threats.
Click here to read the full letter.
