Anti-Fraud Legislation Introduced in House, Senate

Today, Congressional leaders came together and introduced the Household Goods Shipping Consumer Protection Act in the Senate and re-introduced in the House. This bipartisan, bicameral legislation will give the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) the tools needed to protect consumers from fraud by scammers in the interstate transportation of household goods.

TIA thanks the leadership of Sens. Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) and Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) and Reps. Eleanor Holmes-Norton (D-D.C.) and Mike Ezell (R-Miss.) for helping the supply chain industry fight fraud.

“Fraud continues to wreak havoc on the supply chain and in turn, hurts consumers and the U.S. economy,” said TIA President and CEO Chris Burroughs. “We thank Sens. Fischer and Duckworth for introducing the Household Goods Shipping Consumer Protection Act in the Senate, as well as Reps. Norton and Ezell for re-introducing their bill from last Congress. This bill shows their commitment to implementing strong anti-fraud laws, which could markedly reduce fraud in the supply chain, minimize financial losses to small business and restore integrity to the nation’s freight sector. This bill is good for the industry, consumers and the American economy.”

“Fraud continues to wreak havoc on the supply chain and in turn, hurts consumers and the U.S. economy,” said TIA President and CEO Chris Burroughs. “We thank Sens. Fischer and Duckworth for introducing the Household Goods Shipping Consumer Protection Act in the Senate, as well as Reps. Norton and Ezell for re-introducing their bill from last Congress. This bill shows their commitment to implementing strong anti-fraud laws, which could markedly reduce fraud in the supply chain, minimize financial losses to small business and restore integrity to the nation’s freight sector. This bill is good for the industry, consumers and the American economy.”

In announcing their bills, Congressional leaders said:

“We cannot allow bad actors in the shipping and moving industry to violate consumer trust and harm our nation’s supply chain. Our bipartisan, bicameral legislation will give the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration the tools they need to hold these thieves accountable. I look forward to working with my colleagues in both the House and the Senate to get our bill signed into law,” said Sen. Fischer.

“Bad actors are constantly developing new ways to defraud hardworking Americans, so it’s critical we keep our legislation up to speed so we can protect our constituents from the latest scamming techniques,” said Sen. Duckworth. “Moving is stressful enough without worrying about whether your movers are actually scammers trying to steal your money and belongings. I’m proud to help introduce this bipartisan legislation alongside Senator Fischer to help ensure FMCSA has the tools it needs to shield American consumers from these thieves.”

“The Household Goods Shipping Consumer Protection Act aims to tackle fraudulent practices in the moving and shipping industry that damage consumer trust and disrupt our national supply chain,” said Rep. Ezell. “By holding dishonest actors accountable, we’re not only safeguarding consumers but also supporting reputable businesses and their workforce. I’m proud to co-author this important legislation to combat fraud and strengthen order within our economy.”

“I thank my colleagues, Senator Fischer and Senator Duckworth for partnering with me and Congressman Ezell on introducing this important legislation in both chambers. Shipping fraud is a widespread issue that affects every corner of our nation. I will continue working to fight deceptive business practices by shipping companies,” said Rep. Norton.

Any questions? Feel free to reach out, TIA’s Advocacy Department at advocacy@tianet.org.