A new legislative push aims to give law enforcement agencies more tools to track down and prosecute criminals targeting older Americans. Senator Ashley Moody introduced the Strengthening Task Forces to Oppose Predatory (STOP) Scams Against Seniors Act, which authorizes the use of funds under the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program to establish specialized elder justice task forces.
Background
The bill is designed to foster closer collaboration among local, state, and federal agencies to dismantle financial fraud networks. As Attorney General, Senator Moody made protecting seniors from fraud a top priority. The STOP Scams Against Seniors Act will equip law enforcement with the tools and expertise needed to thwart these criminals and help ensure that every senior can enjoy the retirement they worked a lifetime to earn.
In 2023, Moody established a Cyber Fraud Enforcement Unit that froze more than $17 million in illicit funds tied to cryptocurrency scams, involving 40 active seizure cases with senior citizen victims. By the time Moody left the attorney general’s office, the Florida Office of Statewide Prosecution was managing 108 active investigations involving 180 targets and more than 400 possible elderly victims.
A broad coalition of organizations has endorsed the bill, including the AARP, the Aspen Institute Financial Security Program, and the National Crime Prevention Council.
Original reporting: Tampa Free Press — read the source article.
