U.S. Sens. Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.) and Rick Scott (R-Fla.) have introduced a new bill designed to establish a public reporting outlet that better connects consumers to regulatory fraud enforcement efforts.
The ReportScams.gov Act, if enacted, would establish an online portal for Americans to report scams and receive help from law enforcement and federal agencies. The portal would be part of a Federal Scams Action Plan and serve as a central location for scam reporting, information and assistance.
Fraudsters’ tactics are evolving faster than regulatory oversight can keep pace with, according to the senators. Individuals and their families need access to real-time information and support, particularly for those severely impacted by fraud schemes.
“Scammers and fraudsters have gotten completely out of control and prey on the most vulnerable Americans, especially seniors,” Scott said in a statement. “At best, they bombard victims with relentless phone calls and messages. At worst, they pinpoint targets to steal hard-earned savings and destroy lives. Fraud prevention isn’t just a financial issue; it’s a matter of national security and dignity for older Americans. ReportScams.gov will create a centralized platform to report these fraudulent activities, and I’m proud to join Senator Hassan to tackle this growing problem.”
Several different federal agencies combat scams, but they operate independently of one another. Roughly eight agencies have avenues to report fraud complaints, which often results in confusion and frustration, lawmakers said in the statement.
Through the new legislation, if enacted, individuals would have greater opportunity to report scams and have the information shared with federal or state agencies relevant to their case. The law is designed to establish not only a portal, but also a new Scams Steering Committee responsible for reducing fraudulent activity and would include agencies such as the FBI, U.S. Departments of Justice, Homeland Security and Treasury, as well as the Federal Reserve, Consumer Financial Protection and Federal Trade Commission, among others.
The ReportScams.gov portal, if established, would help expedite a more collaborative enforcement effort by providing prevention and education resources, descriptions and information about fraud schemes taking shape in real time and resources to assist victims.
Swarms of new hospices have emerged in certain regions in recent years, with some unscrupulous operators receiving federal funding through illegitimate business practices. States such as California, Arizona, Georgia, Nevada, Ohio and Texas are among the most impacted regions.
Fraudulent operators’ marketing strategies have included the use of illegal or unethical tactics, such as enrolling Medicare beneficiaries in hospice care, often without their knowledge or without providing services. Scammers have also offered individuals hundreds of dollars or other goods in exchange for their Medicare identification beneficiary number through “door knocker” schemes.
The anti-scam bill, if passed, has the potential to help better identify fraud schemes, investigate unscrupulous operators and protect vulnerable patients and families, according to Sheila Clark, president and CEO of the California Hospice and Palliative Care Association (CHAPCA).
An additionally possible outcome is the opportunity for legitimate hospices to build more trust and improve community education, Clark said.
“Hospices should view efforts like the ReportScams.gov Act as an important complement to ongoing fraud enforcement,” Clark told Hospice News in an email. “Education and awareness remain some of the most effective tools for preventing fraud before it occurs. Providers can play a critical role by making fraud awareness part of routine community education.”
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