Monday, July 27, 2020

Jerry Moran: Protecting Americans from COVID-19 scams

(From Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kansas)

As Chairman of the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Manufacturing, Trade and Consumer Protections, I convened a hearing on Tuesday to examine the rise of scams that are occurring during the COVID-19 pandemic and discuss what more can be done to protect the public from falling prey to these scams. 

I questioned witnesses, including the Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt and the Federal Trade Commission, on how they are cracking down on these predators and helping consumers become better informed. 

During this time of national emergency and coordinated recovery, there are fraudsters and scam artists that seek to take advantage of consumers, especially the most vulnerable communities like our nation’s seniors. 








The variety of these increasingly complex and innovative scams remains exceedingly difficult for any consumer to wrap their head around, much less defend themselves against. 

Whether it be unsubstantiated health benefits advertised for certain products, illegal robocalls pitching low-priced health insurance, fraudulent donation solicitations, or even imposters claiming to be from federal agencies collecting mandatory payments, raising awareness to these harmful practices is critical to educating consumers in protecting themselves. 

I look forward to continue working with my Senate colleagues in protecting American consumers from these fraudulent practices.

 


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