Trump Administration Launches Aggressive Cyber Actions Against Foreign Scam Centers
The Trump administration announces a new cyber initiative targeting foreign scam networks to protect American citizens from fraud.
Washington, October 22 (Daily Kiran) : The Trump administration has initiated aggressive cyber actions against foreign online fraud networks for the first time. During a meeting at the White House on Wednesday focused on cybercrime and online scams, Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller informed President Donald Trump that, following his executive order, the U.S. is now using offensive cyber capabilities to dismantle and disrupt foreign scam centers.
Miller emphasized that this marks a significant escalation in the fight against cybercriminals, describing it as a “cyber war” aimed at protecting American citizens’ pensions, lifetime savings, retirement funds, and earnings.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth noted that the campaign involves U.S. Cyber Command, the National Security Agency (NSA), and their advanced technological capabilities. He explained that intelligence and tracking data related to foreign cyber networks are being shared directly with the National Coordination Center and the Homeland Security Task Force.
Hegseth pointed out the connections between international cybercriminal gangs and military forces from certain adversarial nations, although he refrained from naming specific countries.
President Trump stated that his national security memorandum issued in August allows private companies to engage in both offensive and defensive actions against hackers. However, officials did not disclose which scam centers were targeted or their locations.
Miller linked the campaign to Trump’s trade policy, asserting that some foreign economies depend on defrauding American seniors. He declared, “America is not a treasure trove for scammers around the world.”
Homeland Security Secretary Markwen Mulvaney highlighted that online scams disproportionately affect individuals over 60. He reported that in 2025 alone, older American citizens lost $7.7 billion to cyber crimes, with many losing their entire retirement savings.
Miller provided an example of a common scam known as the “grandparent scam,” where a grandparent receives a call claiming a loved one has been arrested and needs $10,000 for bail, often resulting in the money being funneled directly to a foreign scam center.
Trump stressed the importance of protecting the elderly, who are often the primary victims of such scams. He advised individuals to seek help from trusted family members if they receive suspicious calls.
Mulvaney also updated attendees on ongoing efforts against online child exploitation, revealing that the Secret Service has recovered over 14,600 videos and more than 35,600 images related to child abuse. He mentioned the “No to Protect” campaign by Homeland Security Investigations, aimed at raising awareness about digital blackmail and online exploitation.
Trump reiterated that his administration is taking aggressive action against online gangs that target youth for sextortion, noting that many victims have faced devastating consequences, including suicide.
He commended First Lady Melania Trump for her efforts in passing the “Take It Down Act.” U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanch added that the government is directly addressing the threats posed by sextortion.
Hegseth concluded that by taking action on both offensive and defensive fronts against cybercriminals, the administration is safeguarding soldiers, American citizens, and the nation’s security.
