CATFISH Act of 2026
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (17 Sep 2026): Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committees on Financial Services, and Agriculture, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
What this bill does
The CATFISH Act of 2026, introduced in the House of Representatives, aims to establish enhanced penalties for certain fraud schemes targeting individuals aged 60 and older. The bill proposes to add up to 10 years of imprisonment and a fine of up to $1 million to existing penalties for fraud offenses committed as part of a romance fraud scheme against seniors. It also mandates training programs for financial institutions and retailers on identifying and preventing such fraud.
The legislation affects "covered financial institutions," such as banks, credit unions, and digital asset providers, requiring them to report suspicious activities and customer behaviors indicative of romance fraud. "Covered retailers" with 500 or more employees would also be involved in training employees to alert seniors purchasing gift cards over $500 about potential romance fraud. The bill includes provisions for civil penalties for financial institutions that do not comply with reporting requirements and mandates a study on remedies for romance fraud victims.
H.R. 10495 was introduced on September 17, 2026, and referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary, as well as the Committees on Financial Services and Agriculture. As it has just been introduced, it must go through the committee process, where it could be amended or voted down, before it could potentially be considered by the full House and then the Senate.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Timeline
17 Sep 2026
Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committees on Financial Services, and Agriculture, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 10495 do?
- The CATFISH Act of 2026, introduced in the House of Representatives, aims to establish enhanced penalties for certain fraud schemes targeting individuals aged 60 and older. The bill proposes to add up to 10 years of imprisonment and a fine of up to $1 million to existing penalties for fraud offenses committed as part of a romance fraud scheme against seniors. It also mandates training programs for financial institutions and retailers on identifying and preventing such fraud. The legislation affects "covered financial institutions," such as banks, credit unions, and digital asset providers, requiring them to report suspicious activities and customer behaviors indicative of romance fraud. "Covered retailers" with 500 or more employees would also be involved in training employees to alert seniors purchasing gift cards over $500 about potential romance fraud. The bill includes provisions for civil penalties for financial institutions that do not comply with reporting requirements and mandates a study on remedies for romance fraud victims. H.R. 10495 was introduced on September 17, 2026, and referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary, as well as the Committees on Financial Services and Agriculture. As it has just been introduced, it must go through the committee process, where it could be amended or voted down, before it could potentially be considered by the full House and then the Senate.
- Has H.R. 10495 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for H.R. 10495. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored H.R. 10495?
- H.R. 10495 was sponsored by Rep. Hamadeh, Abraham J. [R-AZ-8] (R-AZ), with 0 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 10495?
- Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committees on Financial Services, and Agriculture, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. (17 Sep 2026).
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