Protecting the Elderly: Federal Agencies' Role Concerning Questionable Marketing Practices

摘要

The report addresses the concern that certain aging organizations have attempted to solicit funds, sell insurance, and offer direct mail advertising of products in a manner that may frighten, threaten, or otherwise coerce the elderly into contributing money or buying products from these organizations. A General Accounting Office review was performed to (1) identify federal agencies with jurisdiction in reviewing the activities of organizations that use direct mail advertising, (2) identify federal statutes or regulations these agencies may use to protect the elderly, (3) determine current activities of these agencies to protect the elderly, and (4) determine agency educational activities to prevent possible abuses of the elderly. As part of the review, the Office of General Counsel reviewed pertinent federal legislation related to protecting individuals from deceptive business practices.