Online Scams, Crypto Fraud & Digital Extortion: How Transnational Criminal Networks Target Americans

This joint hearing of the Homeland Security Committee's subcommittees on Border Security and Enforcement and Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Protection, held on April 22, 2026, focused on the growing threat of transnational criminal networks exploiting digital technologies such as cryptocurrency, AI, and online platforms to conduct scams, fraud, and digital extortion targeting Americans. Witnesses detailed the scale of cyber-enabled financial crimes, including ransomware attacks on critical infrastructure like healthcare facilities, and the use of AI to enhance criminal operations. The discussion emphasized the need for enhanced federal resources, legal authorities, and public-private partnerships to combat these threats. Several witnesses recommended legislative actions including terrorism designations for ransomware actors targeting hospitals, felony murder charges for attacks causing deaths, reauthorization and funding of cybersecurity grant programs, and improved information sharing between government and industry. The hearing also highlighted concerns about recent federal workforce reductions in cybersecurity agencies and the challenges posed by pseudonymous cryptocurrency transactions. Members expressed bipartisan support for stronger government action and oversight to protect Americans from these sophisticated cybercrimes.