Strengthening Task forces to Oppose Predatory Scams Against Seniors Act; STOP Scams Against Seniors Act
Summary
The "Strengthening Task forces to Oppose Predatory Scams Against Seniors Act" (STOP Scams Against Seniors Act) amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968. It authorizes the use of Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program funds to establish elder justice task forces. These task forces will address financial exploitation, scams, and fraud targeting individuals 60 years of age or older.
Expected Effects
The Act will lead to the creation and operation of elder justice task forces at the state and local levels. These task forces will coordinate with law enforcement, prosecutors, adult protective services, and federal agencies to combat scams against seniors. The Attorney General will be required to submit annual reports to Congress summarizing the activities and outcomes of these task forces.
Potential Benefits
- Increased protection for seniors against financial exploitation.
- Improved coordination between law enforcement and social services.
- Enhanced data collection and reporting on scams targeting seniors.
- Potential for increased prosecution of perpetrators of elder fraud.
- Support and restitution for victims of elder fraud.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential strain on resources for state and local law enforcement.
- Possible bureaucratic inefficiencies in coordinating multiple agencies.
- Limited scope, focusing primarily on financial scams and fraud.
- The effectiveness of the task forces will depend on adequate funding and staffing.
- Potential for increased reporting requirements to burden grant recipients.
Constitutional Alignment
The Act aligns with the Constitution's broad goals of promoting the general welfare and establishing justice, as stated in the Preamble. Congress has the power to enact legislation related to crime and to provide for the general welfare through the Spending Clause (Article I, Section 8). The creation of elder justice task forces falls under this purview.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).