Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Combats Cybercrime, Fraud, and Predatory Schemes Against American Citizens

3/6/2026

Fact Sheets

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Action Summary

Executive Order Overview: President Trump signs order to combat cybercrime, fraud, and predatory schemes targeting American families, businesses, and critical infrastructure.
TCOs & Scam Centers: Directs officials to review and enhance operational, technical, diplomatic, and regulatory tools to dismantle transnational criminal organizations responsible for cyber-enabled crimes.
Establishment of Operational Cell: Creation of a dedicated operational cell within the National Coordination Center (NCC) to coordinate actions against TCOs.
Prosecution & Victim Restoration: Attorney General is tasked with prioritizing prosecutions of serious cyber-enabled fraud cases and recommending the creation of a Victims Restoration Program to return seized funds to victims.
Interagency & International Coordination:
- Secretary of Homeland Security to partner with NCC for training and resilience building with state and local partners.
- Secretary of State to engage with foreign governments to enforce actions against TCOs, including imposing sanctions and visa restrictions on non-cooperative nations.
Targeted Cyber Threats: Addresses ransomware, phishing, sextortion, financial fraud, and impersonation scams, with an emphasis on protecting vulnerable populations such as seniors and low-income families.
Statistical Insights: Highlights substantial losses exceeding $12.5 billion in 2024, with a high prevalence of online scams affecting 73% of U.S. adults and a heightened risk for seniors.
Broader Cybersecurity Initiatives:
- Mentions prior actions including the TAKE IT DOWN Act for protecting children and families, enhanced cybersecurity measures for critical infrastructure, and initiatives to bolster the U.S. technology sector through removal of barriers to AI innovation.
- Notes a Notice issued to assist financial institutions in detecting and disrupting financially motivated sextortion schemes.

Risks & Considerations

The Executive Order aimed at combating cybercrime and fraud presents a significant risk to Vanderbilt University as it could lead to increased scrutiny over the university’s digital practices and cybersecurity measures. As the government intensifies its focus on cyber-enabled crimes, institutions may be expected to enhance their defenses against such threats, which could involve substantial financial investment.
Given the emphasis on prosecuting transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), there is a risk that federal regulations may change, affecting how the university handles data and personal information. This could require Vanderbilt to revise its compliance protocols to align with new legal standards, potentially leading to operational disruptions.
The proposed establishment of a Victims Restoration Program may also have implications for how the university supports students and staff who fall victim to cybercrimes. There may be an increased demand for counseling and aid programs to assist those affected, necessitating a review of current support services.
As cybersecurity threats continue to evolve, Vanderbilt may need to bolster training for staff and students regarding online safety and fraud prevention, which may require additional resources and ongoing educational initiatives.

Impacted Programs

Vanderbilt’s IT Department will likely face increased pressure to enhance cybersecurity measures and implement new technologies to protect against cyber threats, which could strain existing resources.
The School of Engineering may see increased research opportunities in cybersecurity technologies and applications, possibly leading to collaborations with federal agencies.
Vanderbilt’s Counseling Services may need to expand their offerings in response to the mental health impacts of cybercrime on students, particularly in vulnerable populations.
The Peabody College could develop new educational programs focusing on digital literacy and online safety to prepare students for navigating a cyber-threatened world.

Financial Impact

Increased compliance and operational costs for cybersecurity measures could strain the university’s budget, potentially diverting funds from other critical areas.
Vanderbilt may find new funding opportunities through federal grants aimed at enhancing cybersecurity and combating cybercrime, which could offset some of the financial burdens.
The university’s reputation could be at risk if it fails to adequately protect its digital infrastructure, which may impact student enrollment and funding opportunities.
As cybercrime grows, there may be a shift in student demographics, with increased pressure on financial aid programs for those affected by fraud, requiring strategic adjustments in funding allocations.

Relevance Score: 4 (The order presents a need for potential major changes or transformations of programs.)

Key Actions

Vanderbilt’s Cybersecurity Department should enhance training programs for faculty and staff to recognize and respond to cyber threats, aligning with the Executive Order’s focus on resilience against cybercrime and fraud.
The Office of Federal Relations should advocate for increased funding and resources to support research on cybersecurity and fraud prevention, leveraging the Executive Order’s emphasis on combating transnational criminal organizations.
Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) should explore partnerships with federal agencies to access training and technical assistance aimed at improving healthcare cybersecurity, ensuring patient data protection.
The Law School should expand its curriculum to include courses on cyber law and digital privacy, preparing students to address legal issues arising from cybercrime and fraud.
Vanderbilt’s Office of Student Affairs should implement educational campaigns to raise awareness among students about the risks of online scams and provide resources for reporting and recovering from cyber fraud.

Opportunities

The Executive Order provides an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Research Centers to lead interdisciplinary studies on the socio-economic impacts of cybercrime, potentially positioning the university at the forefront of this emerging field.
The focus on victim restoration programs creates a chance for Vanderbilt’s Center for Child and Family Policy to engage in research and advocacy, shaping policies that support victims of cyber fraud.
By collaborating with federal and local agencies, Vanderbilt can establish itself as a key player in developing innovative solutions to combat cybercrime, enhancing its reputation in public service and policy influence.
The emphasis on preventing cyber-enabled fraud presents an opportunity for Vanderbilt to develop partnerships with technology firms to create cutting-edge solutions that address these challenges.
Vanderbilt can leverage this Executive Order to strengthen its role in community outreach and education, thereby enhancing its impact on public awareness regarding cybersecurity and fraud prevention.

Relevance Score: 4 (The Executive Order necessitates major process changes and offers significant opportunities for Vanderbilt to lead in cybersecurity education and research.)

Average Relevance Score: 3.2

Timeline for Implementation

N/A – No specific deadlines or timeline requirements are indicated within the directives of the Executive Order.

Relevance Score: 1

Impacted Government Organizations

Department of Justice (DOJ) – Attorney General: Tasked with prioritizing prosecutions of cyber-enabled fraud, investigating scam schemes, and recommending the establishment of a Victims Restoration Program to return seized funds to victims.
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) – Secretary of Homeland Security: Directed to collaborate with the National Coordination Center to provide training, technical assistance, and resilience-building measures against cyber threats for state and local partners.
National Coordination Center (NCC): Designated as the lead national element responsible for coordinating efforts to dismantle transnational criminal organizations engaged in cybercrime and predatory schemes.
Department of State: Instructed to engage with foreign governments to apply diplomatic and economic pressures, such as sanctions and visa restrictions, against nations that support or enable these criminal activities.

Relevance Score: 2 (A small number of federal agencies are impacted by the executive order.)

Responsible Officials

Attorney General – Directed to prioritize prosecutions of cyber-enabled fraud and scam schemes and to submit a recommendation regarding establishing a Victims Restoration Program.
Secretary of Homeland Security – Instructed to partner with the National Coordination Center (NCC) to provide training, technical assistance, and resilience building against cyber threats for State and local partners.
Secretary of State – Tasked with engaging foreign governments to demand enforcement actions against transnational criminal organizations (TCOs) involved in cybercrime and predatory schemes.

Relevance Score: 5 (Directives affect Cabinet-level officials with significant national security and international implications.)