VIDEO: Senator Moody Introduces the STOP Scams Against Seniors Act to Protect Seniors from Scams and Financial Fraud

WASHINGTON, D.C.-Senator Ashley Moody introduced the Strengthening Task Forces to Oppose Predatory (STOP) Scams Against Seniors Act to help law enforcement investigate and prosecute criminals who target seniors through scams and financial fraud. The legislation would authorize the use of funds under the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program to establish elder justice task forces, and for other purposes.

"Scammers who prey on seniors are stealing more than their hard-earned money; they take away their sense of security and peace of mind. As Attorney General, I made protecting seniors from fraud a top priority. The STOP Scams Against Seniors Act will equip law enforcement with the tools and expertise needed to thwart these criminals and help ensure that every senior can enjoy the retirement they worked a lifetime to earn," said Senator Ashley Moody.

BACKGROUND:

• The STOP Scams Against Seniors Act would authorize the creation of Elder Justice Task Forces to help local, state, and Federal agencies work together to investigate and prosecute illegal scammers.
• As Florida Attorney General, Senator Moody created the Cyber Fraud Enforcement Unit in 2023. During Moody's time as Attorney General, the unit froze more than $17 million in illicit funds tied to cryptocurrency scams, with 40 active crypto seizure cases involving senior citizen victims.
• When Senator Moody left the office of Attorney General, the Florida Office of Statewide Prosecution had 108 active investigations involving 180 targets and more than 400 possible elderly victims. There were also 43 filed cases involving 62 defendants and approximately 860 elderly victims. Under Moody's leadership, the Office of Statewide Prosecution secured sentences against 96 defendants in 56 cases involving approximately 476 elderly victims.
• As Florida Attorney General, Senator Moody created a Senior Protection Team, comprised of leading experts from the AG's Office of Statewide Prosecution, Consumer Protection Division, Medicaid Fraud Control Unit and the Criminal Justice Programs Unit, as well as specifically-designated FDLE agents from around the state. Under Moody's leadership, the SPT recovered more than $9 million for Florida seniors. AG Moody's Consumer Protection Division secured nearly $700 million in recoveries for Floridians in general, including relief and restitution for seniors.
• The bill is endorsed by the AARP, the Aspen Institute Financial Security Program, the Financial Technology Association (FTA), Operation Shamrock, the National Crime Prevention Council, the National White Collar Crime Center 12 (NW3C), the Rhode Island Police Chiefs Association, and the Stop Scams Alliance.

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