The U.S. Government has taken a significant step in addressing the growing threat of online fraud with the release of a new Executive Order titled Combating Cybercrime, Fraud, and Predatory Schemes Against American Citizens. The order formally recognises scams, referred to as “predatory schemes”, as a national priority and outlines a more coordinated, whole-of-government response.
Until now, federal anti-fraud efforts have been fragmented across agencies and focused primarily on financial crimes and cybersecurity. This Executive Order is the first to name scams, scam centres, and Transnational Criminal Organizations (TCOs) as a distinct national policy problem.
Senior officials across State, Treasury, Justice, Homeland Security, and Defense have been directed to submit an Action Plan outlining how the government will target transnational criminal organisations and improve coordination, including partnerships with the private sector.
The Attorney General has also been directed to prioritize the prosecution of cyber-enabled fraud, including scams and sextortion schemes. At the same time, the Department of Homeland Security, through CISA, will provide training and technical support to state and local partners.
The order also places emphasis on victim support and restitution. The Attorney General must provide recommendations for a Victims Restoration Program, enabling the return of seized or forfeited funds to victims.
Finally, the Executive Order introduces consequences for countries that tolerate or host scam operations targeting Americans, including potential diplomatic and economic measures.
While implementation details are still to be defined, the Executive Order establishes a clearer framework for coordination, enforcement, and victim support.
The GASA North America Chapter brings together several leading organizations across the region to address scams and fraud. Learn more about the chapter and membership.
How Amazon Is Helping Consumers Verify Messages and Avoid Impersonation Scams
Explore how Amazon uses AI and outgoing communication records to verify suspicious messages and inform approaches to impersonation scam prevention.
Whoscall, GASA and Mastercard Release the 2026 Asia Scam Report: Hong Kong
More Than 80% of Hong Kong Respondents Encountered Scams; Phone Calls and SMS Remain the Leading Channels
71% of Adults Surveyed Across 13 Asian Markets Encountered Scams, with Estimated Losses of US$136.5 Billion
This study of 17,460 adults across 13 Asian markets shows that scam exposure is widespread, with 71% of participants encountering a scam in the past year. While 66% say they are confident in recognizing scams, 62% of those exposed went on to interact with a scammer. Ultimately, 9% lost money or personal information that led to financial loss, while only 4% reported a scam to the authorities. The findings highlight a significant gap between perceived scam awareness and real-world resilience.
3 Ways to Prevent Cross-Border Payment Scams in Mexico
Learn three ways financial institutions can prevent cross-border payment scams in Mexico through intelligence sharing, payee transparency and real-time analysis.
Accra Trust & Safety Workshop Turns Collaboration into Action Against Scams and Fraud in West Africa
GASA Africa Chapter and Google South Africa brought anti-fraud leaders together to strengthen cross-border cooperation and scam prevention.
State of Scams in Nigeria 2026: A Comparative Review Across Africa
Nigerian experts examine scam trends, technology, consumer protection and the need for stronger cross-sector collaboration.
Nearly three in four Danish adults encountered scams as estimated losses reach DKK 10.1 billion
New State of Scams Denmark 2026 report finds scam exposure is rising, while victims face repeated financial and emotional harm.
Building a More Trusted Digital Philippines: New Report Underscores the Need for Collective Action as Scam Exposure Continues to Rise
GASA’s State of Scams in the Philippines 2026 Report, in collaboration with Mastercard and Gogolook, highlights the growing scale of the scam challenge in the Philippines.