New York, Dec 22, 2025 – The prevalence of scams impersonating government agencies, businesses, or even one’s own family and friends is on the rise, with senior citizens in New York being increasingly targeted by fraudsters. According to data from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), elderly residents in New York state incurred losses exceeding $250 million last year due to various types of scam cases. In response to this concerning trend, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand has introduced a new bill calling for the FBI to develop a nationwide, cross-departmental anti-fraud strategy to better protect the elderly.
Senator Gillibrand emphasized during a recent press conference that almost everyone has encountered scam phone calls, emails, or text messages, where the perpetrators pretend to be government officials, company representatives, or even impersonate grandchildren in their fraudulent schemes. She stressed that these scams are not just minor nuisances and should not make victims feel ashamed, but rather are part of a “highly organized, specialized network targeting individuals.”
The bill, known as the “National Strategy for Combating Scams Act,” would require the establishment of a cross-agency task force within the FBI to consolidate federal-level anti-fraud resources. The FBI estimates that Americans incurred losses totaling $16.6 billion in 2024 due to fraudulent activities.
An analysis by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) revealed that at least 13 federal agencies currently have functions related to combating fraud, but responsibilities are often fragmented. The new legislation would mandate collaboration between the FBI and multiple departments, including the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the State Department, and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), to clarify roles and enhance coordination.
Beth Finkel, the director of AARP New York, stated that this legislation is long overdue. She pointed out that seniors are often targeted by fraudsters due to their accumulated savings and social politeness.
“Fraudsters know that the money you’ve saved your whole life is there waiting, which is why they come knocking,” Finkel said. “Sometimes, the best course of action when receiving a suspicious call is to simply hang up; it’s not impolite, it’s self-protection.”
Under the proposed legislation, the new cross-departmental task force would assess the financial risks posed to victims by scams, as well as their implications for national and economic security. Additionally, it would review existing anti-fraud measures, delineate the responsibilities of each agency, and explore how the federal government can collaborate with local authorities to assist victims in recovery and restoration efforts.