U.S. Congressional report finds fragmented response to global cyberscams

A report released by the Joint Economic Committee of the U.S. Congress highlights significant gaps in the United States' ability to combat the surge of global cyberscams. The investigation, led by Senator Maggie Hassan and Representative Don Beyer, found that government efforts and private sector partnerships remain fragmented and voluntary.

According to the report, the U.S. government lacks a unified accounting of funds seized from overseas scam compounds versus the amount actually returned to victims. While agencies reported significant recoveries—including $1.83 billion from the Federal Trade Commission and $336 million from the FBI in fiscal year 2025—it remains difficult to determine how much of these funds specifically target overseas scam operations.

The report emphasizes that transnational criminal organizations are utilizing advanced technology, including artificial intelligence, to operate massive scam compounds. Lawmakers are calling for increased inter-agency collaboration, enhanced victim support, and deeper engagement with the private sector to address the scale of the challenge.