House · HR 5490 · 119th Congress
Dismantle Foreign Scam Syndicates Act
Summary
This bill creates a government task force to fight criminal groups running online scams against Americans. These scam operations, mostly based in Southeast Asia, use trafficked workers and steal billions of dollars each year. The bill also requires the president to impose financial sanctions on 43 named foreign individuals and companies linked to these scams.
In Favor
Americans lost at least $10 billion to these scams in 2024 alone. This bill coordinates law enforcement, sanctions criminals, and cuts off the money flow to overseas scam networks. It also protects trafficking victims who are forced to run the scams under threat of violence.
Against
The bill requires sanctions on 43 named foreign persons within 180 days, leaving little room for diplomatic flexibility. Rushing sanctions could strain relationships with Southeast Asian partners the U.S. needs to actually shut down scam centers. The $30 million budget may also fall far short of what a global crackdown truly requires.
Additional Considerations
Purpose & Problem
Is the problem real and worth federal action?
The bill targets criminal groups in Southeast Asia that run large scam centers using forced labor to steal money from Americans online. It calls for sanctions, a new task force, and a strategy to shut these operations down.
Scope & Related Provisions
Does it stay focused, or carry unrelated add-ons?
The bill stays focused on combating online scam centers, human trafficking into those centers, and the criminal groups behind them. All major provisions connect to that core goal.
Who Is Affected
Who benefits, and who bears the cost?
Americans who lose money to online scams may benefit from recovery efforts and stronger enforcement. Foreign governments, criminal groups, and named individuals face potential sanctions and increased scrutiny.
Cost & Funding
Is it affordable and responsibly funded?
The bill authorizes $30 million per year for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 for the Department of State to develop and carry out the strategy. These are authorized amounts, not a confirmed final cost.
Risks & Implementation
What could go wrong in practice?
The bill requires the task force to coordinate many agencies and submit a full strategy within 180 days, which is a short window. Cooperation from foreign governments is needed but cannot be guaranteed by the bill alone.
For the actual bill text, see congress.gov.
AI-generated · Published 10/14/2026