Justice for Victims of Irs Scams and Identity Theft Act of 2018

Floor Speech

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Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I thank both of my colleagues from Texas for their support of this measure.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of my bipartisan bill, H.R. 2905, the Justice for Victims of IRS Scams and Identity Theft Act of 2018.

Scams and identity theft are increasingly complex and growing problems. Americans lose billions of dollars to criminals--my colleague called them con artists; that is what they are--executing identity theft and fraud each year. Many in the Third District of Iowa have spoken to me about their fear of having their identity, bank or credit card numbers, and other personal information stolen.

Mr. Speaker, imagine getting a call from your bank or credit card company explaining your information has been stolen. Or imagine having a Federal agent knock on your door because someone stole your name, Social Security number, or banking information.

This reality can turn a family's world upside down. Millions of Americans have gotten that call, and many have lost everything because of identity theft.

The Justice for Victims of IRS Scams and Identity Theft Act of 2018 requires the Attorney General and Treasury Secretary to create and submit reports to Congress about identity theft and fraud across the United States.

In 2016, the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, Russell George, said Americans submit up to 14,000 complaints about IRS impersonation scams every week. He also said IRS impersonation scams were ``the largest, most pervasive impersonation scam in the history of the agency.'' This is serious. These scams are indiscriminate and can impact any person at any time.

The report submitted to Congress by the Attorney General as a result of my bill--this bipartisan bill--will contain the number of defendants referred to the Department of Justice for identity theft and fraud, a map of the United States which shows where cases were referred from, and the rate of conviction for cases prosecuted.

This bill also recommends the Attorney General provide information on how to improve collaboration with other Federal agencies and discuss trends in identity theft and fraud cases. The Department of Justice should suggest what we can do to deter criminals and prevent identity theft from happening.

The report from the Treasury Secretary will contain what efforts the Secretary has undertaken in the prosecution of IRS impersonation cases and recommendations for resources needed to assist victims of these crimes.

As founder of the Bipartisan Task Force to Combat Identity Theft and Fraud, I have compiled helpful resources to ensure all Iowans and Americans have the tools and resources they need to stay informed and protected from these scams. I know my colleagues do this, as well, for their constituents.

The reports from the Attorney General and Treasury Secretary will help Americans protect themselves and give Members of Congress the tools we need to better protect our bosses: our constituents.

Mr. Speaker, fighting these criminals starts with knowing what is out there and being as prepared as possible, which is why I encourage my colleagues to join me in support of this bipartisan bill.

Ms. JACKSON LEE.

Mr. Speaker, in closing, again, let me thank Mr. Young from Iowa for his presence here. And let me thank Ms. Sinema, who has always been astutely concerned about the fairness to those who may be victimized by these dastardly acts. I reiterate again that they are conmen and - women, and Ms. Sinema knows well the importance of protecting her constituents, so I want to congratulate her and Mr. Young for this legislation.

Again, I want to emphasize how important it is that we take important measures to protect all forms of identity theft. But I want to use the terminology ``victims'' because, as I have said, senior citizens, people who are there alone; and, of course, families, individuals who are not experienced; first-time filers, for example, of their IRS filing; and people who don't have, or know, anyone to call, they are particularly in the eye of the storm.

I, again, reiterate--if you are listening to us--do not respond to those kinds of intimidating calls. Please call the IRS. Yes, you can call the IRS or your public servant that is nearby, or seek some relief in some other manner.

Identity theft can occur in many settings. It can occur in public places where criminals watch you from a nearby location as you punch in your credit card number, or listen in on your conversation if you have to give your credit card number over the telephone. It can also occur if you receive applications for pre-approved credit cards in the mail, but discard them without tearing up the enclosed materials. A first notice to everyone: those items should be shredded.

Many people's information is stolen when they are inquiring to spam emails that promise them some benefit, but request identifying data. In some cases, criminals reportedly abuse computer technology to steal large amounts of personal data.

With enough identifying information about an individual, a criminal can take over that individual's identity to conduct a wide range of crimes. You don't want to get that phone call. Maybe it is not a store in New York, but it might be a store in Istanbul, or somewhere beyond, that your credit card is being used.

False applications for loans and credit cards, fraudulent withdrawals from bank accounts, fraudulent use of telephone calling cards, or online accounts, it is important to be reminded the world is getting smaller and these credit card accounts can be used all over the world. The consequences of identity theft can be severe and can leave a person with no funds to pay for everyday living costs. Identity fraud can have a significant effect on your credit history.

If an identity theft uses your existing credit or applies for new credit, this could leave a footprint of debt or missed payments in your credit report, even to the extent that this individual generates a bankruptcy. Even if the criminal applies for credit and is rejected, this can still have a negative impact on your credit history, as each application for credit is recorded.

It is with these concerns that I applaud this legislation and ask my colleagues to support the present legislation that is H.R. 2905, the Justice for Victims of IRS Scams and Identity Theft Act of 2018. The victims are our most important cause.

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