Strategic Task Force on Scam Prevention Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. Menendez, Robert [D-NJ-8]
- Committees
- Judiciary Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Sep 16, 2026
Bottom line
This bill creates a multi-agency task force to enhance federal coordination and strategy in combating scams, aiming to protect consumers and improve victim recovery.
What it actually does
This bill directs the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), in conjunction with the Department of Justice (DOJ), to establish an interagency task force focused on addressing scams. The task force will include representatives from ten federal agencies and be responsible for developing and implementing a national strategy to combat scams, which includes public education, coordination with industry, enforcement actions, and strategies to improve victim recovery. It also mandates consultation with various external stakeholders.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue this bill provides a much-needed, coordinated federal response to the growing threat of scams, leveraging existing resources and expertise across multiple agencies and engaging critical industry and advocacy partners to protect vulnerable populations and improve financial recovery for victims.
Opponents contend
Critics might argue that while the intent is good, establishing another task force could lead to bureaucratic redundancy, slow down existing enforcement efforts, or merely formalize coordination that should already be happening, potentially without significant new resources to tackle the scale of the problem effectively.
The bill is very short and easy to read, allowing ample time for comprehensive evaluation.
Section 2(a)
Establishment of the Strategic Task Force on Scam Prevention
This provision mandates the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) to jointly establish an interagency task force specifically dedicated to addressing scams. This formalizes a coordinated effort between two key federal agencies with significant roles in consumer protection and law enforcement, aiming to create a unified front against fraudulent activities.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that a formal, mandated task force ensures sustained and high-level attention to scam prevention, overcoming potential ad-hoc or siloed efforts by individual agencies and providing a clear leadership structure for federal anti-scam initiatives.
Critics contend
Some might contend that existing interagency coordination mechanisms are sufficient, and a new task force could add an unnecessary layer of bureaucracy without providing new tools or authorities, potentially slowing down rather than accelerating responses.
Tradeoffs
This provision balances the need for focused, high-level coordination against the risk of creating redundant bureaucratic structures or formalizing efforts that could be achieved through existing channels.
Section 2(b)
Broad Interagency Representation
This section specifies that the task force must include representatives from a wide array of federal entities, including the Departments of Homeland Security (Secret Service), Justice (FBI), State, Treasury, Veterans Affairs, and independent agencies like the FCC, FTC, SEC, SSA, and USPS. This ensures a comprehensive approach, drawing on diverse expertise from law enforcement, financial regulation, social services, and communications to tackle the multifaceted nature of scams.
Section 2(c)
Development of a National Anti-Scam Strategy
This provision outlines the core duties of the task force, requiring it to develop and implement a national strategy to address scams. Key components of this strategy include utilizing existing federal complaint networks (Consumer Sentinel, IC3), public education campaigns, coordination with industry (especially online platforms), robust enforcement actions using existing authorities (e.g., money laundering, human trafficking, fraud), international collaboration, and developing strategies to reduce financial losses and improve victim recovery resources.
Section 2(d)
Broad Stakeholder Consultation
The task force is explicitly required to consult with a diverse range of non-federal stakeholders. This includes consumer advocacy organizations, various industry sectors (such as banking, generative AI, cryptocurrency, dating applications, peer-to-peer payment platforms, search engines, social media, and communications providers), State attorneys general, State securities commissions, and local law enforcement entities. This ensures that the national strategy incorporates perspectives from those directly affected by scams and those on the front lines of prevention and enforcement.