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Congressman Derek Schmidt has joined a bipartisan group of lawmakers to introduce legislation aimed at improving how the federal government coordinates efforts to combat scams, especially those targeting seniors. The National Strategy for Combating Scams Act seeks to streamline cooperation among the many federal agencies responsible for addressing different forms of fraud, while also strengthening coordination with state and local governments.

Americans lose billions of dollars each year to scams, and seniors are often disproportionately targeted, particularly during the holiday season. Schmidt, drawing on his experience as Kansas attorney general, said federal agencies too often operate in isolated silos, slowing efforts to protect consumers. The bill would create a federal working group, led by the FBI, to unify the work of more than a dozen agencies and improve communication with federal, state, local, and Tribal authorities.

Schmidt has also cosponsored the STOP Scams Against Seniors Act, which would allow federal grant funding to support Elder Justice Task Forces that investigate and prosecute scammers. In addition, he backed a resolution to designate December 4 as National Scam Prevention Day.

During his tenure as Kansas attorney general, Schmidt’s office recovered record amounts for scam victims and he previously chaired the national consumer protection committee for state attorneys general.