Chairman Rick Scott and Senator Mark Kelly have introduced a bipartisan resolution to designate March 5 as National Slam the Scam Day. The initiative aims to raise awareness about scams that target older Americans, an issue that resulted in more than $10 billion in losses in 2023. The resolution underscores the need for education and prevention, encouraging vigilance and reporting of suspicious activities.
The resolution is cosponsored by Ranking Member Kirsten Gillibrand, Senators Ashley Moody, Marsha Blackburn, Mike Rounds, Susan Collins, Richard Blumenthal, and Raphael Warnock. It was also led by Scott and Kelly last year and passed unanimously in the Senate.
“I’m proud to again lead this resolution in the Senate to recognize March 5th as National Slam the Scam Day. As frauds and scams grow more sophisticated, seniors are continuously being targeted and falling victim to government imposter scams that cost billions of dollars each year. In partnership with the Social Security Administration and other dedicated organizations, we are committed to supplying the public with the tools and education necessary for seniors to remain vigilant and shield themselves from these crimes. I’m grateful to my bipartisan colleagues for fighting alongside me to combat fraud and ensure aging Americans have the resources they need to protect themselves from these scammers and age with dignity,” said Chairman Rick Scott.
Senator Mark Kelly stated: “Scammers are stealing billions of dollars from Americans every year, and older adults are often the ones hit the hardest. No one should lose their life savings because of scammers impersonating government agencies. If you get a suspicious call or message, hang up and report it. I am proud to lead this effort again to raise awareness and protect families in Arizona and across the country.”
Ranking Member Kirsten Gillibrand added: “We must do more to stop scammers – Americans lost over $16 billion to scams in 2024 alone. That’s a staggering amount of money that’s been stolen from our families, our neighbors, and, disproportionately, our seniors. The Slam the Scam Resolution is crucial to preventing financial scams and safeguarding the well-being of older adults at a time of increasingly sophisticated scams that rob individuals of their hard-earned savings.”
Senator Ashley Moody said: “Florida is proud to be known as both the Sunshine State and a ‘silver state,’ with nearly 5 million seniors calling it home. Unfortunately, scammers often target older Americans through fraudulent schemes that cost victims billions each year. National Slam the Scam Day is an important reminder that awareness and education are our strongest tools to stop these criminals. We must remain vigilant and work to ensure seniors have the information and resources they need to protect themselves.”
Senator Marsha Blackburn commented: “Scammers are merciless in their exploitation of senior citizens. By designating March 5 as National Slam the Scam Day, this bipartisan effort will encourage Americans to stay vigilant and report every suspicious call or scheme.”
Senator Mike Rounds noted: “Too often, scammers prey on seniors by posing as government officials, particularly with the Social Security Administration, causing irreparable harm. I’m pleased to join my colleagues in designating today as ‘Slam the Scam’ day.”
Senator Susan Collins remarked: “‘National Slam the Scam Day’ provides a great opportunity for federal, state, and local officials to raise awareness about common financial scams and deliver a clear message to Americans: hang up and tell someone. Public awareness is key to stopping these scams from the start. Let’s work together to put nefarious scammers out of business once and for all.”
Senator Richard Blumenthal said: “This resolution shines a light on the pervasive scams plaguing Americans—and disproportionally affecting older individuals. Scammers are savvy and ruthless, causing chaos and stealing people’s hard-earned savings. The main weapon against scams is awareness and caution, so we are introducing this resolution to highlight the need for increased education to prevent more people from having their lives upended. I will never stop fighting to protect Americans from these fraudulent, deleterious scams.”
The Senate Aging Committee plays an active role in protecting older Americans from fraud through resources such as its fraud hotline (https://www.aging.senate.gov/). The committee also examines issues including Social Security programs (https://www.aging.senate.gov/), Medicare oversight (https://www.aging.senate.gov/), long-term care policy recommendations (https://www.aging.senate.gov/), elder abuse prevention (https://www.aging.senate.gov/), retirement security concerns (https://www.aging.senate.gov/) ,and provides nationwide oversight on aging-related federal programs (https://www.aging.senate.gov/). Rick Scott currently serves as chair while Kirsten Gillibrand holds position as ranking member (https://www.aging.senate.gov/).
