A New Coalition Emerges to Combat AI-Driven Online Scams Affecting American Consumers

A New Coalition to Stop AI-Driven Online Scams

In an alarming rise of online scams fueled by artificial intelligence, a coalition named United to Stop Online Scams has taken a significant stand to hold tech companies accountable. With Americans losing approximately $406 million a day, the initiative shines a light on the urgent need for consumer protection amidst the rapidly advancing technological landscape.

The Coalition's Launch

Launched on October 1, 2026, the coalition comprises various consumer advocacy groups, organizations focused on older adults, and tech accountability groups. During a livestream kickoff event that attracted over 20,000 viewers, notable figures including scam survivor Kate Kleinert, Senator Mark Kelly, and Representative Valerie Foushee, emphasized the dire situation impacting consumers in the digital age. They called for action from lawmakers to shift the burden of responsibility from victims to the platforms profiting from scams.

Kate Kleinert, a widow who tragically lost $39,000 to a romance scam on Facebook, shared her story live, illustrating the personal toll such scams can have. She asserted, "So many of us scam survivors carry so much shame. I am here to tell you it is not on you. It is on them. Meta and the AI companies are counting on survivors being quiet. We can't be."

The Cost of Scams

According to the Consumer Federation of America, losses from online scams surged sharply, amounting to an estimated $148.2 billion across the nation in 2025 alone. This troubling statistic underscores the considerable impact of such deceptive practices, particularly among older Americans. Reports indicated a staggering 59% increase in losses for individuals aged 60 and over, with the average loss reaching $38,500 per complaint.

The Role of AI in Scams

Artificial intelligence is elevating the sophistication of online scams. Tools such as AI voice cloning and deepfake technologies contribute to a new level of deception that individuals can find hard to detect. The coalition’s campaign is closely linked with the Motion Picture & Television Fund’s initiative, StopScamsTogether.org, which seeks to educate and inform consumers about these evolving threats.

Senator Kelly noted, "AI is making scams more sophisticated, and older Americans are particularly vulnerable, losing hard-earned retirement savings to criminals online. Older Americans shouldn't be an afterthought as this technology evolves. I'll keep fighting to keep them safe."

Addressing the Problem with Policymaking

To facilitate real change, more than 30 organizations signed a letter directing Congress to investigate the platforms’ profits from scams and to establish fraud prevention as a mandatory legal obligation. This reflects a growing recognition that current measures are grossly inadequate to protect consumers.

The coalition's website, unitedtostoponlinescams.org, provides more information on policy priorities, coalition members, and ways in which the public can get involved.

As technology continues to advance, collaborations like United to Stop Online Scams are critical for ensuring consumer safety is prioritized over corporate profits. The urgency for lawmakers to act has never been clearer, and the voices of those like Kate Kleinert are essential in driving the conversation forward.

For more insights or to watch the heartfelt stories of scam survivors, check out the PSA featuring Kleinert. With efforts underway, it’s crucial to educate the public on identifying and avoiding such scams in our increasingly digital lives.