Marshall Leads Bill to Protect Seniors from COVID Scams

WASHINGTON - On Tuesday, Congressman Roger Marshall, M.D., joined Congresswoman Robin Kelly (IL-02), in introducing H.R. 7699, the Protecting Seniors from Emergency Scams Act, to combat ongoing attempts to target senior citizens with scams during the coronavirus pandemic.

“It is despicable that people would exploit the fear and uncertainty surrounding the coronavirus pandemic to take advantage of vulnerable Americans,” said U.S. Congressman Roger Marshall, M.D. “Ensuring that all Americans have access to timely information about current scams as well as where to turn for help is important as we work to crack down on these predatory crimes. I am proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation to protect our senior citizens from fraud.”

“Our senior citizens have borne the brunt of this pandemic. Now, scammers and rip-off artists are targeting older Americans and preying on their fears related to COVID-19,” Congresswoman Robin Kelly said. “We have a moral obligation to stop these con artists by empowering seniors with facts and information while aggressively targeting criminals with all available FTC resources.”

The legislation would direct the Federal Trade Commission to report to Congress on scams targeting seniors during the coronavirus pandemic, as well as update its website and distribute information to help protect seniors from scams. This bill is the House companion to the S. 3824, which was recently introduced by Senators Jerry Moran and Amy Klobuchar.