Rep. Shreve Introduces Bill to Dismantle Foreign Scam Centers Costing Americans $10 Billion Annually
The Dismantle Foreign Scam Syndicates Act is currently in the early stages of the legislative process and has been sent to the House Committees on Foreign Affairs and the Judiciary for review. It is actively moving through the initial committee phase, but no further votes or hearings have been scheduled yet.
Though primarily focused on overseas victims, the bill explicitly protects trafficking victims from being treated as criminals or sanctioned targets. People who were trafficked into scam centers and forced to commit crimes under threat of violence are treated as victims, not perpetrators, and are eligible for trauma-informed support services. This could help trafficking victims who end up in the U.S. seek protection without fear of prosecution.
“no person determined by the President to be a victim of trafficking in persons shall be considered to be a foreign person listed in this subsection for purposes of imposition of sanctions under this section.”
Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 48 - 0.
The committee approved this bill and is sending it to the full chamber for a vote. This is a significant step — most bills never get this far.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Sent to a congressional committee for expert review. The committee decides whether this bill moves forward.
Introduced in House
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
No votes have been recorded for this legislation yet.
The Dismantle Foreign Scam Syndicates Act (H.R. 5490) would establish an interagency task force under the Secretary of State to lead a 'whole-of-government effort' against the industry. Agencies would be tasked with creating a national anti-scam strategy and pressuring foreign governments.
H.R. 5490 is one of the most comprehensive efforts to address cyber fraud. It establishes a new interagency task force to target the scamming industry, coordinate with law enforcement, and engage with foreign governments to share intelligence and promote greater accountability.
A bill introduced in Congress, the Dismantle Foreign Scam Syndicates Act, names and shames lucrative syndicates and high-ranking officials, including Cambodia's deputy prime minister, as complicit in hosting scam compounds that defraud Americans of billions.
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
Dismantle Foreign Scam Syndicates Act
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