Steil Introduces Bipartisan Resolution to Recognize the Impact of Scams on Americans and Prevent Future Scams

WASHINGTON (May 9, 2024) - Congressman Bryan Steil (WI-01) and Representatives Josh Harder (CA-09), Daniel Meuser (PA-09), Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05), Derrick Van Orden (WI-03), and Brittany Pettersen (CO-07) this week introduced a bipartisan resolution to designate May 9th as National Scam Survivor Day. 

“It is estimated that American citizens lost more than $10 billion to scams in 2023,” said Steil. “Scam survivors should not be defined by the scams they endured, but by their bravery coming forward. By recognizing the survivors, we can continue to work to prevent future scams.” 

The National Scam Survivor Day resolution encourages scam survivors to tell their stories to combat the stigma that may prevent individuals from seeking the guidance and assistance they deserve. Additionally, the legislation urges a collaborative approach to support scam survivors and prevent future scams among government, the private sector, and nonprofit organizations.  

“Criminals are getting better and more advanced with AI technology and other high-tech tools, and it’s costing our families more and more every year,” said Harder. “Seniors have lost their entire life savings, and parents have lost thousands in savings trying to save their kids from emergencies made up by scammers. It’s heartbreaking and we should be talking about it so people can protect themselves from these ruthless scammers. By creating a National Scam Survivor Day, I hope we can remove the stigma around falling victim to scams and raise awareness. We also need better anti-fraud tools so we can keep up with scammers and protect hard-working families.” 

“Too often elderly and vulnerable Americans fall victim to online scams, in fact, we are all vulnerable to these increasingly-advanced professional scam criminals,” said Meuser. “By designating May 9th as National Scam Survivor Day, we will raise awareness about the constantly-evolving methods of fraud.” 

“I’m proud to support this bipartisan resolution to designate May 9th as National Scam Survivor Day. It’s important that those who have fallen victim to scams know that they’re not alone. We empathize with you, and we’re here to help,” said Gottheimer. “This legislation makes it clear that we’re all on the same team in the fight against scammers and must work together — law enforcement, the private sector, and nonprofits — to stand up for scam survivors. We will hold these fraudsters and criminals accountable.” 

This resolution is supported by the International Better Business Bureau. 

CLICK HERE to read the resolution. 

NOTE: Rep. Steil is hosting a free scam prevention event for residents in Wisconsin's First Congressional District in Beloit on Monday, May 20, 2024, from 11-12:30pm at the Beloit Public Library. Please RSVP by calling my Beloit office at (608) 752-4050 or emailing SteilRSVP@mail.house.gov.  

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