Bill To Protect Seniors From Fraud

WASHINGTON (AP) â€” A measure aimed at protecting the nation's elderly from telemarketing and sweepstakes fraud passed the House on Monday. <br><br>The Protecting Seniors from Fraud Act, which passed

Monday, October 30th 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

WASHINGTON (AP) â€” A measure aimed at protecting the nation's elderly from telemarketing and sweepstakes fraud passed the House on Monday.

The Protecting Seniors from Fraud Act, which passed by a voice vote, now goes to the White House for President Clinton's signature.

Sen. Evan Bayh, the Indiana Democrat who authored the measure, said seniors are targeted by criminals and fraudulent telemarketers more than any other group.

The bill authorizes $5 million over five years to help law enforcement and federal agencies protect and inform the elderly of fraudulent telemarketing and investment schemes.

It also creates a clearinghouse to keep track of complaints made about telemarketing companies and requires that crimes against seniors be included in the nation's annual crime victims survey.

``America's seniors are disproportionately victims of telemarketing and sweepstakes fraud,'' said Rep.Spencer Bachus, R-Ala. ``Many of them can be prevented if seniors are educated about their consumer rights.

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The bill is S. 3164.

On the Net:

Bill status: http://thomas.loc.gov