Indy Standard

Congressman Jefferson Shreve (R-IN) has published an opinion piece in the Washington Examiner, drawing attention to the growing problem of foreign scams targeting Americans. In his article, Shreve discusses his legislative efforts and bipartisan initiatives aimed at protecting citizens from financial fraud and cybercrime.

Shreve describes how scam messages, such as fake toll notices and package delivery alerts, have become a daily occurrence for many Americans. He states that these schemes are not only bothersome but also run by sophisticated international criminal networks. According to Shreve, "They stem from sophisticated scam operations that are run by foreign criminal networks. These predatory scammers are stealing from our families, our friends, and our neighbors. And they’re getting away with it."

He cites data from the FBI indicating that losses due to scams reached $16.6 billion in 2024. Shreve emphasizes that this figure likely underestimates the true impact because many victims do not report their losses out of shame or fear.

Shreve recounts his personal experience receiving scam texts in Indiana and his subsequent investigation into federal responses to these crimes. He found a lack of coordinated strategy among agencies: "I expected to find a coordinated federal strategy to combat these scams. Instead, I found a vacuum."

The congressman notes that he is using his position on the House Foreign Affairs Committee to better understand how transnational criminal groups operate and where current U.S. efforts fall short. He points out that some scam centers emerged after changes in Southeast Asia’s gambling industry during the COVID-19 pandemic, with countries like Burma, Laos, and Cambodia serving as hubs for these activities.

"These criminal operations have become increasingly sophisticated," Shreve writes, highlighting their use of artificial intelligence and stolen personal information.

To address the issue, Shreve has introduced legislation called the Dismantle Foreign Scam Syndicates Act which would create a government-wide task force involving both federal and state agencies to coordinate enforcement against foreign scammers.

He also launched the bipartisan Stop Scams Caucus alongside Representatives Gabe Amo (D-RI-01), Zach Nunn (R-IA-03), and Jamie Raskin (D-MD-08). The caucus aims to unite lawmakers across party lines in combating international scam operations.

"This isn’t just about consumer protection," Shreve asserts. "It’s a matter of national security." He claims some transnational groups involved in scamming have links to China’s government: "Many of these Transnational criminal groups have ties to the Chinese Communist Party and are using scams to weaken our citizens and erode trust."

Shreve concludes by urging Congress not to treat scams as minor issues but as significant threats requiring organized action: "The criminals are organized. It is time we are, too."