Scam Farms Marque and Reprisal Authorization Act of 2025

This bill would let the President give official permissions, called “letters of marque and reprisal,” to private people or companies to go after overseas scam and cybercrime networks that attack the United States. With these permissions, they could use necessary means outside U.S. borders to seize the people or property of those the President decides are part of a criminal enterprise or conspiracy tied to cybercrimes against the U.S., including, in some cases, a foreign government. The bill says these criminal groups, which use cybercrimes and coerced labor, are an unusual and extraordinary threat, and notes that the Constitution allows Congress to grant such permissions to deter and punish “scam centers.”

Before any permission is issued, a security bond would be required to help ensure the rules are followed. The bill also makes clear that a “criminal enterprise” can include a foreign government.

Key points:

• Who is affected: Americans harmed by scam centers and cybercrimes; private individuals or companies that might seek a commission; individuals and foreign governments involved in cybercrimes against the U.S.
• What changes: The President could authorize private actors to seize people or property tied to cyberattacks on the U.S., outside U.S. borders; a security bond would be required.
• When: Would apply if this bill becomes law.