CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Action 9 has warned people about scams targeting senior citizens for years, and now lawmakers are taking steps to protect potential victims called the Financial Empowerment Act, already filed by the Senate.
It would help those citizens who lose money to schemes online, over the phone or by mail.
The bill would create a national hotline to help seniors and caretakers report fraud and schemes.
It would also impose harsher penalties for criminals targeting seniors.
The legislation would create grant programs to help state and local agencies develop online prevention tools.
The Federal Trade Commission said nearly 1 in 5 seniors is a victim of fraud, and losses can reach up to $3 billion a year.
Read more top trending stories on wsoctv.com:
- Troopers: 1 dead after three-car head-on collision in Rowan Co.
- Young girl hospitalized after being rescued from NoDa apartment fire
- 9 INVESTIGATES: Family waits for answers year after Stanly Co. woman's death
- Trump ban blocked, Iranian Clemson grad back in US
- Officer fires shots at stolen National Guard Humvee in Lincolnton