Sign The Petition

Join Us in Demanding Stronger Protections Against Online Scams

Every day, millions of consumers fall victim to fraud and deception on social media platforms—losing money, personal data, and peace of mind. Current laws are outdated and fail to hold platforms accountable for the scams thriving on their networks. By signing our petition, you’re standing up for stronger consumer protections, stricter enforcement, and safer online spaces for everyone. Together, we can push lawmakers to act and ensure that social media companies take real responsibility for protecting the public.

Proposal: Social Media Accountability and Consumer Protection Act

Purpose

To establish stronger accountability for social media platforms in addressing online scams, fraudulent accounts, and deceptive practices, thereby protecting consumers and restoring trust in digital spaces.

Problem Statement

Online scams are the world’s fastest-growing crime. Social media has become a breeding ground for fraudulent investment schemes, fake charities, counterfeit goods, romance scams, and impersonation frauds. Platforms profit from user engagement — including scam activity — yet currently face minimal legal responsibility when criminals exploit their networks. Victims lose billions of dollars annually, with little recourse, while scammers operate freely across global platforms.

Why Current Laws Fall Short

• Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act shields platforms from liability, even when scams are rampant.

• Voluntary community standards are inconsistently enforced, often only after harm occurs.

• Consumers cannot easily verify accounts, report scams, or recover losses.

• Law enforcement is overwhelmed, while platforms hold valuable data that could aid investigations but often withhold it.

Proposed Legal Reforms

1. Mandatory Scam Response Standards

   • Platforms must remove reported scam accounts within a fixed timeframe (e.g., 48 hours) once verified.

   • Repeat offenders (by phone, IP, domain) must be permanently banned.

2. Enhanced Verification Requirements

   • Social platforms must provide optional verified business and individual accounts that require proof of identity/licensing — so consumers can trust who they’re interacting with.

3. Transparency & Reporting Obligations

   • Annual public reports on scam activity: number of reports, removal rate, cooperation with law enforcement.

   • Independent audits to ensure compliance.

4. Consumer Protection Fund

   • Platforms above a revenue threshold contribute to a pooled fund for scam victims, similar to how financial institutions support fraud protection pools.

5. Data-Sharing With Authorities

   • Platforms must establish secure channels for real-time scam reporting and data sharing with consumer protection agencies and law enforcement.

6. Penalties for Non-Compliance

   • Civil fines and liability for platforms that repeatedly fail to act against scams.

   • Escalating penalties tied to company revenue to ensure deterrence.

Expected Impact

• Reduced consumer harm by quickly removing scam accounts and content.

• Increased trust in digital platforms through verified identities and transparent reporting.

• Stronger law enforcement partnerships with timely access to scammer data.

• Shared responsibility where platforms that profit from user engagement also help protect users from fraud.

Call to Action

We urge lawmakers to introduce and support legislation that holds social media companies accountable for scam activity on their platforms. Consumers deserve safe digital spaces where generosity, curiosity, and connection cannot be exploited by criminals.

Where this Petition will be Sent To:

• U.S. Senators
• U.S. House Representatives
• Senate Judiciary Committee
• House Judiciary Committee