NCJ Number
77033
Date Published
1980
Length
147 pages
Annotation
Frauds against the elderly in the area of health quackery are documented, and current law enforcement and regulatory efforts aimed at dealing with such fraud are examined in testimony before the House Select Committee on Aging.
Abstract
Testimony shows the extent to which the physical and financial ills of the elderly make them vulnerable to fraudulent claims related to health remedies and promises of increased income and investment opportunities. Testimony from the Post Office Department discusses the effectiveness of the postal authorities in combating the use of the mail for advertisements of fraudulent products and services for the elderly. In addition, representatives from various regulatory agencies bearing upon the control and prosecution of quackery report on their efforts to combat the advertisement and use of fraudulent medical devices and drugs. Current law against quackery is generally considered by the witnesses to be strong; however, suggestions for enhancing the effectiveness of investigators are offered. An expanded program of public education to warn citizens of particular fraudulent devices and health schemes is supported by many of the witnesses. Included as a study of the prescription and administration of selected drugs in a nursing home. Photographs and newspaper clippings illustrate some of the health frauds that have been perpetrated.