Foushee Helps Introduces Bipartisan Bill Targeting Online and AI Scams

WASHINGTON, D.C. — North Carolina Congresswoman Valerie Foushee is joining a bipartisan effort to crack down on online scams and hold digital platforms more accountable for fraudulent content.

Foushee (NC-04) and Congressman James Moylan of Guam introduced H.R. 10433, the Stopping Abuse and Fraud Enabled by Platforms Act, or SAFE Platforms Act, legislation aimed at protecting consumers from increasingly sophisticated online and AI-enabled scams. (Valerie Foushee)

“Online and AI-enabled scams are becoming more sophisticated and more devastating, costing North Carolina families $3 billion in financial losses last year,” Foushee said.

The legislation would require online platforms to take additional steps to prevent fraudulent accounts, misleading advertisements and scams. Platforms would also be required to provide stronger privacy protections and create a clearly visible “Report Scam” option for users.

Another major provision would require platforms to verify advertisers and provide consumers with basic information about them, including their legal name, location and how long they have been on the platform. Additional verification would be required for certain higher-risk commercial categories. (Valerie Foushee)

The bill would also establish potential liability for platforms that knowingly help create or distribute fraudulent content, while providing liability protections for companies that implement reasonable anti-fraud policies. The Federal Trade Commission would be responsible for enforcing the requirements, with state attorneys general and victims also given avenues to pursue action. (Valerie Foushee)

The legislation comes amid growing concerns about online fraud, particularly scams targeting older Americans. According to Foushee’s office, older Americans lost $4.8 billion to internet scams in 2024, a 43% increase from the previous year.

“Families should not be left to bear the consequences while the platforms being used to facilitate these schemes face little accountability,” Moylan said.

The SAFE Platforms Act has received support from several consumer advocacy organizations, including the Consumer Federation of America, Hispanic Federation, Oregon Consumer Justice and Public Citizen. (Valerie Foushee)