This bill supports the designation of May 8, 2025, as "National Scam Survivor Day" to raise awareness, encourage prevention, and support survivors of scams.
Bryan Steil
Representative
WI-1
This bill designates May 8, 2025, as "National Scam Survivor Day" to raise awareness about scams targeting Americans. It encourages public awareness, emphasizes the need for accessible resources to prevent scams, and supports law enforcement efforts. The bill aims to reduce the stigma around scams, promote a collaborative approach to support survivors, and improve scam prevention tools.
New Resolution Proposes May 8, 2025, as 'National Scam Survivor Day' to Combat Skyrocketing Fraud
This resolution throws its support behind naming May 8, 2025, as "National Scam Survivor Day." It's a response to the alarming rise in scams hitting Americans, with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reporting a staggering 2.6 million fraud cases in 2024, leading to over $12.5 billion in losses—that's a $2.5 billion jump from the year before. The core idea is to boost awareness, provide better tools to dodge scams, and recognize the resilience of those who've been targeted.
The Soaring Cost of Scams
The numbers paint a pretty stark picture of why this day is on the table. We're not just talking about a few isolated incidents. Social media scams alone siphoned off $1.9 billion in 2024, and it's not just individuals; small businesses are also in the crosshairs. Scammers are getting more sophisticated too, using AI to whip up fake audio or video, making it tougher to spot the con. This resolution acknowledges this evolving threat landscape and the significant financial and emotional toll it takes.
Who's in the Scammers' Sights?
While anyone can fall victim, the resolution points out that certain groups are particularly vulnerable. Veterans, for instance, reported $584 million in losses in 2024. Seniors are another prime target, with the resolution noting that about 75% have experienced scam attempts. And it's not just older folks; young adults are actually losing more money to scams than other age groups, busting the myth that only the less tech-savvy get caught. Recognizing these targeted groups is a key step in tailoring prevention efforts.
More Than a Day: A Call to Action
So, what does designating this day actually mean beyond a calendar entry? The resolution encourages a multi-pronged approach. It’s about getting the word out—making sure people know what scams look like and how to handle them. It’s also about acknowledging the very real harm these scams inflict on individuals and businesses. A big piece is improving public access to resources that can help prevent scams in the first place and supporting survivors by encouraging them to share their experiences, which can help chip away at the stigma that often keeps people silent. Finally, it backs the efforts of federal and local law enforcement and pushes for a team-up between government, the private sector, and non-profits to better support survivors and shut down these fraudulent operations, calling for ongoing improvements to prevention tools and prosecution efforts.