While we must continue to focus on catching and prosecuting those who prey on seniors, we must also educate and inform seniors on how not to fall victim to telemarketing scams in the first place and what they can do to assist law enforcement officials in catching these criminals. It is through education that we can stop these crimes before they happen. There are approximately 140,000 telemarketers in our country and up to 14,000 may be operating fraudulently. Current federal law states that fraudulent telemarketers may be imprisoned for up to five years. If the offense victimizes ten or more persons over the age of 55 or targets persons over the age of 55, the perpetrator can be imprisoned for up to ten years.
Courts can also order the defendant to pay restitution to the victim.
The PASS Act will allow the Administration on Aging, through its network of local agencies of aging, to educate senior citizens on the various tactics that are commonly used on them. I've written this bill to advance senior citizens' knowledge, understanding and awareness of potentially fraudulent telemarketing calls targeted towards the aging population. This education program is designed to inform senior citizens about the dangers of telemarketing fraud and what seniors can do to avoid it. The Administration on Aging may use any method necessary, including publication or broadcast of public service announcements, public meetings, creation of educational materials and establishment of an Internet site. In addition, the money may be used to fund activities in coordination with other federal, state, local and private agencies.