Us Congress House Bill HR1229

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/15/24
• Refer: 5/15/24
• Refer: 5/17/24

Caption

Supporting the designation of May 15, 2024, as "National Senior Fraud Awareness Day" to raise awareness about the increasing number of fraudulent scams targeted at seniors in the United States, to encourage the implementation of policies to prevent those scams from happening, and to improve protections from those scams for seniors.

Impact

By designating a specific day for awareness, HR1229 seeks to highlight the extensive financial exploitation seniors face, which is exacerbated by modern technology and increasingly sophisticated scams. The resolution notes significant financial losses incurred by seniors, estimating that they lose approximately $2.9 billion annually to scams. The establishment of National Senior Fraud Awareness Day not only aims to educate the public and seniors themselves but also fosters collaborations among relevant stakeholders to protect senior citizens from these malicious acts.

Summary

HR1229 is a resolution supporting the designation of May 15, 2024, as 'National Senior Fraud Awareness Day' in the United States. This resolution aims to raise awareness about the increasing number of scams targeting seniors, individuals aged 65 and older, and encourages initiatives to enhance policies aimed at preventing these fraudulent activities. It also recognizes the crucial role that various organizations, including law enforcement, consumer protection groups, and financial institutions, play in educating seniors about potential scams.

Contention

Although the bill presents a positive initiative, it highlights the ongoing challenges of fraud against the elderly population. Concerns regarding the adequacy of current protections and the effectiveness of awareness campaigns may arise, as the resolution expresses the need for better education provisions and community involvement. While generally perceived as beneficial, the discourse surrounding this resolution may also engage advocates debating the most effective methods for implementing protection policies and the required resources.

Notable_points

This resolution acknowledges various types of scams affecting the senior demographic, ranging from government impersonation fraud to investment schemes. It suggests a community-centered approach to prevention, emphasizing the importance of reporting and tackling these crimes at multiple societal levels. HR1229 stands as a call for collective action and greater awareness to address the alarming trend of fraud against vulnerable older adults.