- US senators propose a joint task force to disrupt crypto scams nationwide.
- The proposal aims to improve coordination across agencies, law enforcement, and industry.
- The initiative targets rising fraud with better tools, data sharing, and reporting.
A new bipartisan effort in the US Senate seeks to confront the growing problem of cryptocurrency scams by strengthening federal coordination and sharpening enforcement capabilities.
As digital assets become more widely used, lawmakers say regulatory gaps have left consumers vulnerable to increasingly sophisticated fraud schemes.
A coordinated response to a growing threat
Senators Elissa Slotkin of Michigan and Jerry Moran of Kansas introduced the Strengthening Agency Frameworks for Enforcement of Cryptocurrency Act.
The proposal is designed to bring urgency and structure to the federal response against crypto-related scams, which have surged alongside broader adoption of digital assets.
At the heart of the bill is the creation of a federal task force that would bring together the Treasury Department, law enforcement agencies, financial regulators, and private-sector experts.
Supporters say this structure reflects the reality of modern crypto crime, which often crosses jurisdictions and moves faster than traditional enforcement mechanisms.
Senator Slotkin frames the legislation as a practical consumer protection measure.
She argues that cryptocurrency fraud deserves focused attention because of its technical complexity and rapid pace, noting that local law enforcement frequently lacks the tools and expertise to investigate these crimes effectively.
By pooling federal resources and industry knowledge, the task force would aim to close that gap and improve investigations.
Inside the SAFE Crypto Act
The SAFE Crypto Act tasks the proposed group with studying emerging trends in digital asset scams and identifying effective methods to counter them.
This includes tracking patterns in phishing schemes, hacks, and small-scale Ponzi operations that may fall outside the primary scope of existing regulators.
A key element of the bill is its focus on supporting state and local authorities.
The task force would provide local law enforcement with investigative tools and technical guidance, recognizing that many victims first turn to local agencies for help.
Lawmakers say this support could significantly improve response times and case outcomes.
Public education is another core component. The task force would work to raise awareness about common cryptocurrency scams so consumers can better protect their funds.
As fraud tactics evolve, sponsors argue that prevention through education is as important as enforcement after losses occur.
The legislation also includes accountability measures. The task force would be required to deliver an initial report to congressional committees within one year of its formation, followed by annual updates.
Those reports would outline emerging threats, enforcement progress, and areas where further action may be needed.
The proposal has attracted attention within the crypto and legal communities, where concerns about fragmented enforcement have been growing.
A January report from Chainalysis estimated that illicit cryptocurrency activity reached $51.3 billion in 2024, highlighting the scale and diversity of on-chain criminal behavior.
Crypto attorney Gabriel Shapiro described the bill as a possible way to close an enforcement gap, noting that agencies such as the SEC and CFTC are not always focused on scams like hacks or phishing operations.
U.S. Senator Moran proposes the SAFE Crypto Act establishing a task force for dealing with crypto scams!!!
would have AG, Director FinCEN, Director Secret Service, other agency heads, scam victims, representatives of stablecoin issuers, custodians, etc.
devoted to detecting… pic.twitter.com/i94tn2sHdm
— _gabrielShapir0 (@lex_node) December 16, 2025
If enacted, the SAFE Crypto Act would represent a notable step toward a more organized and proactive US strategy against cryptocurrency fraud.