A Message from Gabe:

Greetings Rhode Islanders,

Today, I hosted a roundtable discussion at the Middletown Senior Center to discuss how to better prevent and protect against senior fraud and scams. It was encouraging to see advocates, consumer experts, and community members come together to tackle an issue impacting our older neighbors and loved ones.

Congressman Amo delivers remarks at his senior fraud roundtable at Middletown Senior Center.

The numbers tell a sobering story. In 2023, Rhode Island victims of senior fraud lost over $7.3 million to scams, with technology support, investment, romance, and government impersonation scams leading the way. Between 2022 and 2023, Rhode Island experienced the third-largest increase in senior fraud nationwide. To crack down on these crimes, I urged the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to do more to address the growing issue of fraud and scams targeting seniors in Rhode Island and across the country.

Congressman Amo speaks with local seniors after the roundtable discussion.

At today’s roundtable, we discussed tips on identifying scams, protecting against fraud, and where victims can go for help. Specifically, we discussed warning signs like high-pressure tactics and requests for personal information, along with simple ways seniors can protect themselves, like call blockers and enabling multi-factor authentication to prevent sharing sensitive details.

For more information and resources, go to the FTC’s website HERE

Protecting Rhode Islanders from scams is one of my top priorities in Congress. If you couldn’t attend the roundtable discussion, don’t worry — my office is always here to help. You can reach my district office at 401-729-5600 or email us at [email protected].

Sincerely,

Gabe Amo

Member of Congress

In the 119th Congress, I am looking forward to engaging with Rhode Islanders on the many important issues facing our communities. To best serve you, I want to hear directly from you about topics on your mind! What topics are you focused on and want to learn more about? Social Security & Medicare Blue Economy Gun Safety Veterans Housing Artificial Intelligence Environment Other (please specify) Submit If you are having trouble click here to take survey.

Attention Rhode Islanders Open Enrollment for Health Coverage is Happening Now! Open Enrollment for health care coverage is an important time to review your options and make any changes to your plan. It is essential to act by February 28, 2025 to secure the coverage that suits your needs. Apply by mail if you need health insurance or want to choose a new plan. If you need assistance with the enrollment process or have questions about your health care options, do not hesitate to contact HealthSource RI by calling them at 1-855-840-4774 or visiting them between 8:00am to 6:00pm Monday-Friday at  401 Wampanoag Trail East, Providence, RI 02915. They are here to help you navigate the health care system and ensure you are covered.

Update On RIBridges Alert Hack

The Biden-Harris Administration hit a major milestone—over 5 million Americans have had their student loans forgiven, totaling $183.6 billion in relief! This student loan forgiveness benefited public servants, borrowers with disabilities, and students who attended academic institutions found guilty of misconduct. This milestone reaffirms the Administration's successful commitment to make education more affordable for all. For more information, click here.

Tax Season is almost here! Did you know that Free File is a service available to qualified Rhode Islanders that allows you to prepare and file your federal and state tax returns online at no charge? Made possible by a partnership between the Internal Revenue Service, Rhode Island Division of Taxation, and other organizations, Free File is a convenient way for residents to file their taxes. To learn more about eligibility and to take advantage of Free File in Rhode Island, click here.

	In Congress, my work supports organizations like the Reentry Campus Program that create opportunities for formerly incarcerated individuals. I am committed to breaking cycles of poverty and incarceration so that every Rhode Islander can learn, earn, and contribute to our communities when they return.
	I spoke at Newman Congregational Church in Rumford about my work in Congress to honor the life, legacy, and birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
	Last week, at the Rhode Island Police Chiefs Association, we recognized outgoing President Warwick’s Colonel Bradford E. Connor and congratulated the association’s new President, Woonsocket’s Thomas F. Oates, III. In Congress, I am working to invest in our law enforcement officers so that they can continue to uphold the public trust and keep our communities safe.
	At the Girl Scouts of Southeastern New England Cookie Rally, I discussed my work in Congress and gave out a special ‘Let Your Voice Be Heard’ badge. It was a fantastic opportunity to learn more about the world’s largest girls’ entrepreneurship program!

Need Help with a Federal Agency? Our District Office is here to help if you need assistance on a pending case with a federal agency! Call: 401-729-5600 Email: [email protected] Visit My Website

Over $3.8 Million Investment in Rhode Island's Blue Economy

Great news for Rhode Island! Ocean Tech Works, led by the University of Rhode Island Research Foundation, has been awarded $3.8 million in federal funding to grow jobs in our state's thriving Blue Economy sector. This funding is part of the American Rescue Plan’s Good Jobs Challenge Grant, which brings together local businesses, state and local government, colleges, labor unions, and community organizations to expand opportunity and support underserved communities.

This funding will support free training to prepare 400 people for high-demand careers in ocean robotics, advanced materials, and manufacturing—connecting Rhode Islanders to good-paying jobs. Highlighting Rhode Island’s leadership in ocean innovation, this investment will drive economic growth and help secure a brighter future for the Ocean State.

For more details, click here.

If you need help with personal casework: Contact the District Office in Pawtucket: 1070 Main Street, Suite 300 Pawtucket, RI 02860 Phone: (401) 729-5600 Fax: (401) 729-5608

If you need help with legislative issues: Contact the Washington, D.C. Office: 1119 Longworth HOB Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-4911 Fax: (202) 225-3290