Combating Cybercrime, Fraud, and Predatory Schemes Against American Citizens
Mar 11, 2026
Mar 11, 2026
Summary
Establishes a national policy to protect Americans from online crimes like fraud and scams by improving government coordination and response.
What problem does this solve?
Online criminals and international groups are stealing money and ruining the lives of Americans, especially the most vulnerable. This order directs government agencies to work together to stop these criminals, help victims get their money back, and punish countries that support them.
Who does this affect?
- Victims of online scams and fraud
- Transnational Criminal Organizations
- Foreign governments harboring cybercriminals
What does this order do?
Develops a national action plan
Requires top government agencies to create a plan within 120 days to identify and dismantle international criminal groups running online scams.
Creates a new coordination center
Establishes an operational cell within the National Coordination Center to lead federal efforts in stopping cybercrime that targets Americans.
Helps victims get their money back
Directs the Attorney General to recommend a program for returning money to victims that has been recovered from the criminal organizations.
Punishes countries that help criminals
Authorizes actions like sanctions, visa restrictions, and trade penalties against foreign countries that allow these criminal activities to happen.
Prioritizes prosecuting online criminals
Instructs the Attorney General to focus on prosecuting individuals involved in cyber-enabled fraud, including scam centers and sextortion schemes.
What is the real world impact?
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Applying international pressure
The order allows for sanctions, visa restrictions, and other penalties against countries that don't crack down on cybercrime, serving as a tool for foreign policy leverage.
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Protecting vulnerable Americans
The primary goal is to stop criminal organizations from stealing money and personal information from Americans, with a focus on protecting those most at risk from online schemes.
When does this start?
This order takes effect immediately on March 6, 2026, and includes several deadlines for federal agencies to complete specific actions.
Review of current frameworks
Within 60 days, agencies must review existing systems to find ways to better fight criminal organizations.
Victim restoration program proposal
Within 90 days, the Attorney General must recommend how to create a program to return money to victims of online fraud.
National action plan submission
Within 120 days, an action plan to dismantle criminal groups must be submitted to the President.