NCJ Number
92364
Date Published
1982
Length
135 pages
Annotation
Testimony focuses on which frauds are most frequently perpetrated on the elderly, how widespread these practices are, what impact these frauds have on the lives of elderly victims, and what must be done to protect the elderly from these abuses.
Abstract
Testimony is presented from consumer representatives, criminal justice officials, a perpetrator of fraud against the elderly, elderly fraud victims, and representatives from agencies dealing with the concerns of the elderly. The Director of the U.S. Office of Consumer Affairs notes the serious problem of fraud against the elderly, who are particularly vulnerable because of their desire for financial security and remedies for health problems. Some types of fraud perpetrated against the elderly are noted to be home repair frauds, medical quackery, mail order frauds, and door-to-door sales. Consumer education is advocated as an important means for preventing fraud victimization among the elderly. Testimony by the Chief Inspector of the U.S. Postal Service indicates the problem of mail order fraud, notably sales of fraudulent medical cures and work-at-home schemes. Current efforts by the Post Office Department to counter these schemes are reviewed, and support is offered for S. 1407, legislation designed to give the U.S. Postal Service several new and vital authorities considered needed to help it deal more effectively with mail fraud. Testimony from fraud perpetrators, elderly victims of fraud, and Pennsylvania criminal justice officials documents the extent and nature of fraud against the elderly and some of its consequences. Public education and other prevention efforts are emphasized. Prepared statements and S. 1407 are provided.