HR0768 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0768 LRB104 21292 MST 36061 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Americans lose billions of dollars each year to fraud, with older adults disproportionately affected, making prevention, education, and strong consumer protections more important than ever; and

WHEREAS, The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) estimates fraud losses in 2024 were as high as $196 billion nationwide, with up to $81.5 billion stolen from older adults; and

WHEREAS, Illinoisans reported $280 million fraud losses in 2025, according to the FTC; and

WHEREAS, Older adults who experience fraud have a life-changing amount of money stolen from them, $83,000, four times that of the average across all ages; and

WHEREAS, Older adults are often affected by fraud when they are no longer working or already financially strained and unable to recover the money that was stolen; and

WHEREAS, Public awareness and education are critical in helping consumers recognize the common red flags of scams and in keeping them informed about emerging fraud trends; and

WHEREAS, Our communities, which include non-profit organizations, law enforcement, and public officials, are working to strengthen consumer protections, provide victim support, and advocate for stronger measures to prevent and prosecute fraud at the local, state, and federal levels; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we declare April 2026 as Fraud Prevention Month in the State of Illinois and encourage all Illinoisans to learn the red flags of scams and to support community and advocacy efforts that help prevent scams, protect consumers, and assist fraud victims; and be it further

RESOLVED, That preventing fraud is a shared responsibility, and increasing awareness during Fraud Prevention Month empowers all Illinoisans, especially older adults, to protect themselves, their families, and their financial security.