CRIME & LAW

Congress Urges Telecoms To Strengthen Scam Protections Nationwide

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Washington — A bipartisan congressional panel this week asked AT&T, Verizon and T‑Mobile to provide detailed records about how they collect data, monitor for scams and act against fraudsters, after reports indicated Americans faced an estimated $200 billion in scam losses in 2024. The Joint Economic Committee’s letter, led by Rep. David Schweikert and Sen. Maggie Hassan, was sent Wednesday evening. Lawmakers said consumers increasingly cannot distinguish scam texts and calls from legitimate messages and that too much burden falls on customers; the committee is seeking documentation to assess carrier practices and potential policy responses. In coming weeks the panel may review responses to determine whether further oversight, regulatory guidance or legislative action is warranted.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.

Timeline of Events

2024: Reports indicate surge in scams, with estimated $200 billion in U.S. losses.
Early 2026: Growing concern in Washington about the role of telecoms in scam proliferation.
This week: Joint Economic Committee prepares and sends detailed information requests to major carriers.
Wednesday evening: Letter from Rep. David Schweikert and Sen. Maggie Hassan delivered to AT&T, Verizon and T‑Mobile.
Next steps: Committee will review responses to assess industry practices and possible oversight.

Why This Matters to You

Scam calls and texts are on the rise, costing Americans billions. If telecom companies step up, you could see fewer scams. In the meantime, be vigilant. Don't respond to unknown numbers or suspicious messages.

The Bottom Line

Congress is pushing for better scam protection from telecom giants. Your safety and wallet could benefit. Worth forwarding if you know someone who's been targeted by scams.