S.Res.118 - Designating March 6, 2025, as “National Slam the Scam Day” to raise awareness about pervasive scams and to promote education to prevent government imposter scams and other types of scams. (119th Congress)
Summary
Senate Resolution 118 designates March 6, 2025, as "National Slam the Scam Day." The resolution aims to raise awareness about pervasive scams, particularly government imposter scams, and promote education to prevent them. It acknowledges the significant financial losses suffered by US consumers due to scams, especially affecting older adults.
Expected Effects
The resolution will likely lead to increased public awareness campaigns and educational initiatives focused on identifying and avoiding scams. This could result in a reduction in the number of successful scam attempts and financial losses for individuals. It also encourages collaboration among law enforcement, consumer protection groups, and financial institutions to combat scams.
Potential Benefits
- Increased public awareness of government imposter scams.
- Enhanced education on how to identify and avoid scams.
- Potential reduction in financial losses for individuals, especially older adults.
- Encouragement of collaboration among various organizations to combat scams.
- Reinforcement of trust in legitimate government agencies by highlighting the difference between them and scammers.
Potential Disadvantages
- The resolution itself does not allocate specific funding for awareness campaigns or educational programs, relying on existing resources and voluntary efforts.
- The effectiveness of the resolution depends on the extent to which it is promoted and the engagement of the public and relevant organizations.
- There is no guarantee that the resolution will significantly reduce the prevalence of scams, as scammers are constantly evolving their tactics.
Constitutional Alignment
The resolution aligns with the general welfare clause of the US Constitution, as it aims to protect citizens from financial harm and promote trust in government agencies. While the Constitution doesn't explicitly address scams, the government's role in protecting its citizens from fraud falls under its implied powers to promote the general welfare. The resolution does not infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or freedoms.
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).