Southern Wisconsin Times

Congressman Bryan Steil, alongside Representatives Josh Harder and Dan Meuser, has introduced a resolution to designate May 8th as National Scam Survivor Day. This initiative aims to acknowledge the experiences of scam survivors and foster efforts to prevent future scams.

Steil highlighted the significant impact of scams on Americans, stating, "Last year, 2.6 million Americans lost more than $12.5 billion to scams." He emphasized the importance of sharing experiences to prevent common scams and developing strategies to block new ones.

The resolution seeks to encourage scam survivors to share their stories, aiming to combat stigma and promote seeking guidance and assistance. It also calls for collaboration among government entities, private sector players, and nonprofit organizations in supporting scam survivors and preventing future incidents.

Harder pointed out the increasing sophistication of scammers targeting families, particularly seniors. "By creating a National Scam Survivor Day, we can remove the stigma around falling victim to scams and help hold these criminals accountable," he said.

Meuser noted that scammers stole over $12 billion from Americans in 2024 alone, including $400 million from Pennsylvanians. He stressed the need for financial institutions and other stakeholders to adapt their responses as scams evolve. "National Scam Survivor Day is about standing with victims, raising awareness, and demanding stronger action from Congress and law enforcement," Meuser stated.

The resolution encourages collective action against scammers while supporting those affected by such crimes.