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Subcommittee hears bill aiming to freeze international gift-card transfers to recover elder fraud losses
Summary
HB 689 would require local law enforcement to report suspected fraud to the FBI and direct gift-card issuers to implement 24‑hour international-transaction freezes to slow scammers. Supporters emphasized rapid money movement and recovery potential; the bill was carried over to 2027 for more work.
A delegate presented a victim story and described HB 6 89 as a response to widespread elder fraud that often uses gift cards and rapid international transfers to move stolen funds. The bill would direct local law enforcement to report suspected fraud immediately to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center and require financial institutions behind gift-card products to implement a 24‑hour freeze on international transactions, giving victims time to recognize fraud and enabling law enforcement to act.
Captain Hernan of the Campbell County Sheriff’s Office testified in support, saying scammers move money quickly and victims rarely recover funds once transfers go overseas. He described a pattern of daily scams that deplete life savings and urged the committee to provide tools to help victims.
Committee discussion led the patron to request additional time for work; the committee voted to carry the bill over to 2027 for further drafting and stakeholder input.
Next steps: HB 6 89 was carried over to the 2027 docket for more work on enforcement and technical implementation.
