Press Releases

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Abe Hamadeh (AZ-08) introduced the CATFISH Act of 2026, legislation aimed at protecting senior citizens from financial fraudsters. 

Congressman Hamadeh introduced the bill in response to constituent concerns about the increasing number of cases in which vulnerable senior citizens are targeted by criminals using fake online identities, known as “catfishing,” to steal money or personal data. 

The Federal Bureau of Investigation advises that these “catfishing” con artists are present on most dating and social media sites. Identity theft through this method is becoming a national crisis. 

In 2024, Americans age 60 and older reported losing $2.4 billion to fraud, according to the Federal Trade Commission. Experts estimate that the true annual cost of fraud against seniors exceeds $82 billion, as many victims never report their losses. 

These “catfish” schemes are commonly operated by transnational criminal organizations, which rely on prepaid gift cards, digital payment platforms, and cryptocurrency transfers to move stolen funds beyond the reach of victims and law enforcement. 

“My team has received many requests for assistance from constituents who have been victimized themselves or are loved ones of seniors who have been victimized by these sophisticated criminals. The stories are heartbreaking,” stated Congressman Hamadeh. “For too many seniors, these losses mean depleted retirement accounts, delayed medical care, diminished independence, and financial devastation that is unrecoverable. These often-devastating crimes can be prevented, and my legislation aims to do just that.” 

The CATFISH Act of 2026 would:
 
• Train frontline employees to recognize fraud 
• Provide seniors with fraud warnings before money is lost 
• Establish anti-fraud standards for financial institutions 
• Encourage best practices to prevent losses 
• Study additional remedies for victims of fraud