GUARD Act

This bill would authorize state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies to use certain federal grant funds to investigate general financial fraud, elder financial fraud, and "pig butchering" investment scams involving cryptocurrency. It proposes to allow federal law enforcement to assist these agencies and fusion centers with blockchain tracing and related technology tools. Additionally, the bill would require the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) to report on fraud trends and provide legislative recommendations to improve efforts to combat these financial crimes.

This bill affects state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies and grant recipients, who may use specific federal funds to investigate financial fraud and 'pig butchering' schemes. Federal law enforcement agencies and fusion centers are also involved through the provision of technical assistance and blockchain tracing tools. Additionally, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) is tasked with new reporting requirements regarding financial scams and legislative improvements.

• Expansion of grant fund usage for financial fraud investigations. Allows state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies to use specific grant funds to investigate general financial fraud, elder financial fraud, and 'pig butchering' investment schemes.
• Federal assistance for blockchain tracing. Authorizes federal law enforcement agencies to provide assistance to state, local, and tribal agencies, as well as fusion centers, in utilizing blockchain tracing and related technological tools.
• FinCEN reporting on fraud trends and combatting efforts. Requires the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network to report on the current state of financial scams in the United States and evaluate legislative recommendations to improve enforcement efforts.

• H.R. 2978, GUARD Act of 2026
  Jun 18, 2026 · As ordered reported by the House Committee on Financial Services on May 13, 2026

The bill expands the authorized use of funds for state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies and grantees participating in existing federal law enforcement grant programs. It also mandates new reporting requirements for the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) regarding financial fraud and scam trends.

The bill aims to combat financial crimes by authorizing state, local, and tribal law enforcement to use grant funds for investigating general fraud, elder financial fraud, and 'pig butchering' investment schemes. It also facilitates federal assistance in tracing blockchain transactions and requires the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network to report on fraud trends and legislative improvements.