I, a concerned parent from Pittsburgh, experienced firsthand how dangerous online scams can be when my own child fell victim not just once, but many times. These incidents not only compromised his safety, but they also impacted our lives drastically.

Online scamming cases have increased dramatically over the past few years, with a recorded 61.2% rise in 2020 (source: Federal Trade Commission). In today's digital world, children and adults alike are at a higher risk than ever before. Personal information and financial assets can be stolen with a single click. The emotional toll it takes on victims is increasingly alarming.

Pittsburgh is not exempt from this troubling rise in online scams. In fact, in a 2021 report by the Better Business Bureau, it ranked in the top ten cities in the U.S with the most reported online scams. This shows just how pressing this issue is for our community.

It's time for firm action to be taken. Stricter regulations are needed on digital platforms to help reduce these incidents. Further education on spotting and avoiding online scams should be included in schools, especially as digital literacy becomes a central part of our lives. As a community, we should strive to protect each other from these predatory actions.

Let's work together to make the internet safer for everyone. Please sign this petition to encourage our city officials in Pittsburgh to take swift action against online scams. Your support will contribute to a safer online environment for all of us.