With Rhode Island being one of the top ten states that has seen elder fraud on the rise between 2022 and 2023, U.S. Rep. Gabe Amo (D-R.I.) is asking for the Federal Trade Commission‘s help in addressing the issue.
In a letter to FTC Chair Lina M. Khan, Amo said Rhode Island’s increase in elder fraud is part of a nationwide problem. He asked Khan for advice on legislation to stop scam artists, assistance in holding an event in Rhode Island to raise awareness about elder fraud and for additional consumer education materials on elder fraud.
“I appreciate that the Federal Trade Commission has partnered with other government agencies, advocacy groups, and private industry stakeholders to expand consumer education and outreach efforts, improve industry training on scam prevention, identify innovative or high-tech methods to detect and stop scams, and review research on effective messaging to prevent scams,” Amo wrote. “Unfortunately, despite the additional support provided by Congress and continued efforts by the FTC, fraudulent activities targeting seniors are becoming increasingly prevalent, costly, and sophisticated. I remain committed to working with the FTC to prevent elder fraud and educate consumers on avoiding scams.”
Amo says the FTC’s yearly report to Congress on its elder fraud prevention efforts highlights key trends, coordination with federal agencies and stakeholders, and enforcement actions. He said he would amplify the report’s contents and support FTC efforts against fraud.
Generative artificial intelligence (AI) assisted a What’sUpNewp journalist with the reporting included in this story.
