NCJ Number
79628
Date Published
1981
Length
54 pages
Annotation
Focusing on income confidence games and frauds (especially in New York) which have often victimized the elderly, this House subcommittee meeting was held in order to make the public and official representatives more aware of the problem.
Abstract
Persons testifying before the subcommittee include Government officials from agencies having jurisdiction over antifraud statutes, a New York City Police Department representative, two senior citizens who have been victimized by con games, and a man who is currently serving a prison term for conning senior citizens. It is noted that the costs of consumer crimes against the elderly are staggering and that the problem has not abated because the criminal justice system remains apathetic. To combat this problem, a New York State representative recommends passage of the Victims of Crime Compensation Act, expansion of consumer education programs in senior citizen centers, and increases in penalties for mail fraud. The Chief Postal Inspector discusses his agency's efforts to prevent and combat crimes against the elderly, as does the Regional Director of the New York Office of the Food and Drug Administration. Typical con games are described and the losses suffered as a result of such schemes are illustrated through case studies and testimony. No references are cited.