Bills of Congress by U.S. Congress

H.R.es397 - Supporting the designation of May 8, 2025, as National Scam Survivor Day. (119th Congress)

Summary

H.Res.397 supports the designation of May 8, 2025, as "National Scam Survivor Day." The resolution aims to raise public awareness about scams, encourage the use of federal resources to combat them, and improve law enforcement's ability to track and halt scam operations. It recognizes the impact of scams on American citizens and businesses, urging a collaborative approach among governmental, private, and nonprofit organizations to support scam survivors and prevent future scams.

Expected Effects

If passed, this resolution would formally recognize "National Scam Survivor Day", potentially leading to increased public awareness campaigns and resource allocation towards scam prevention. It could also encourage scam survivors to share their stories, reducing the stigma associated with being a victim. Ultimately, the resolution seeks to foster a more proactive and collaborative approach to combating scams across various sectors.

Potential Benefits

  • Increased public awareness of scams and how to avoid them.
  • Encouragement for scam survivors to share their stories, reducing stigma.
  • Improved access to scam prevention resources for the public.
  • Enhanced collaboration among governmental, private, and nonprofit organizations in addressing scams.
  • Support for law enforcement efforts to hold scammers accountable.

Potential Disadvantages

  • The resolution itself does not allocate any funding or resources, so its impact depends on subsequent actions.
  • The designation of a "National Scam Survivor Day" may not be sufficient to significantly reduce scam rates without concrete measures.
  • There is no guarantee that increased awareness will translate into behavioral changes among potential scam victims.
  • The resolution does not address the underlying causes of scams, such as economic inequality or lack of financial literacy.
  • The effectiveness of the resolution depends on the willingness of various organizations to collaborate and share resources.

Constitutional Alignment

The resolution aligns with the general welfare clause of the Constitution's preamble, which aims to "promote the general Welfare." While the Constitution does not explicitly address scams, the government's role in protecting citizens from fraud can be interpreted as falling under this clause. Additionally, the resolution's call for improved law enforcement efforts aligns with the government's responsibility to ensure domestic tranquility and provide for the common defense.

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).