U.S. Officials Face Questions on Coordination Against Transnational Scam Centers
Summary
At a Senate hearing, officials described efforts to coordinate 13 federal agencies and foreign partners against transnational scam centers, including an action plan under review and task force efforts with allies and Interpol.
Key points
- Senators questioned whether one agency should lead federal anti-scam efforts; at least 13 agencies have relevant authorities.
- A State Department official said the president-directed action plan was under interagency review and a task force was intended to address coordination concerns.
- U.S. officials said they share scam-related intelligence with foreign allies, while Interpol is setting up its own task force.
- Officials said crackdowns in one location can push scam operations elsewhere.
- A State Department witness described more progress in Cambodia than in Burma and Laos, and said Cambodia's approach prioritized pursuing scam-center bosses.
- The bipartisan SCAM Act seeks to unify federal efforts against scam operations.
Article Details
- Event Type
- Congressional hearing on federal and international coordination to combat transnational scam centers.
- Impact
- Officials said at least 13 federal agencies have authority to counter scams, and witnesses described efforts to coordinate through a whole-of-government approach and an international task force. Lawmakers and officials warned that crackdowns in one location can push scam operations elsewhere. Progress was described as varying by country; no specific victim or financial-loss figures were provided.
People
David BedardState Department official who described U.S. interagency and international coordination efforts against scammers.Jeanne ShaheenU.S. senator and co-sponsor of the SCAM Act who questioned federal coordination against scam operations.Michael DeSombreState Department official who discussed international progress and China's role in addressing scam centers.Pete RickettsU.S. senator who asked whether transnational scam centers warrant a multinational coordination mechanism.
Countries
BurmaWitnesses said the administration is moving toward a whole-of-government and international task force approach, with progress varying by country, especially in Cambodia, Burma, and Laos.CambodiaWitnesses said the administration is moving toward a whole-of-government and international task force approach, with progress varying by country, especially in Cambodia, Burma, and Laos.ChinaAsian and Pacific Affairs, said Trump has raised the subject with Chinese President Xi Jinping, and that China has used its influence in Asia as its own citizens have become scam victims.LaosWitnesses said the administration is moving toward a whole-of-government and international task force approach, with progress varying by country, especially in Cambodia, Burma, and Laos.