NCJ Number
84004
Date Published
1981
Length
181 pages
Annotation
These briefings by the House Select Committee on Aging in Boston and West Springfield, Mass., document types of fraud generally committed against the elderly and describe some of the steps being taken to counter such fraud.
Abstract
In addition to the chairpersons, statements are offered by the Assistant Chief Postal Inspector, the Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Boston District, the Chief of the Consumer Protection Division of Massachusetts, the secretary of the Department of Elder Affairs, and the former staff counsel of the Massachusetts Division of Insurance. Frauds have included land fraud that involves the sale of apparently worthless land to senior citizens, often at an exorbitant price. In arranging the funerals of relatives, the elderly are often quoted one price, only to receive a bill double or triple the price they were quoted. In the area of insurance, the elderly are often sold policies that duplicate and render void present coverage and which give a very low return on the premium dollar. Fraudulent medical and health claims are also perpetrated against the elderly, and needed health aids are frequently sold to the elderly at highly inflated prices. Fraudulent work-at-home schemes also regularly victimize the elderly who are largely immobile and desire additional income. The Post Office Department has given priority to frauds perpetrated through the mail, and consumer protection agencies and insurance commissions have made every effort to inform the public about common frauds and to follow up on complaints received. Written statements and questions and answers in the briefings are provided.