February 6, 2006

To raise awareness of existing consumer protections and to empower older adults in the fight against fraud, the Office of Services to the Aging (OSA) and the Office of Financial and Insurance Services (OFIS) have joined forces with federal, state, and local government agencies and national consumer advocacy organizations to launch the eighth annual National Consumer Protection Week February 5-11, 2006.

“The protection of vulnerable adults is a high priority,” said Sharon L. Gire, Director of OSA. “Older consumers need to be aware that they are targets for scam artists and that most victims are contacted at home during the day. Those that have built substantial assets may be more easily swayed by fears of losing their financial independence. If a get rich scheme sounds too good to be true, then it probably is.”

“Issues surrounding financial fraud and exploitation remain high on our radar screen,” said OFIS Commissioner Linda A. Watters. "Consumers, especially seniors, remain the target of scam artists promoting get-rich-quick and other schemes that end up being just too good to be true. I support National Consumer Protection Week because it heightens consumer awareness and shines a bright light on the problems of our most vulnerable citizens who are at risk of losing their life savings. I encourage all consumers to heed the warning signs and take the time to educate themselves.”

According to a survey by the Federal Trade Commission, nearly 25 million Americans – 11.2 percent of the adult population – experience consumer fraud each year.

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the country's oldest federal law enforcement agency, is a leader in the fight against consumer fraud. Detroit Postal Inspector Fred Van de Putte says, "Older Americans are disproportionately targeted by telemarketing & mail fraud. Fraud is one of the few crimes where victims can choose not to be victimized. A well informed public is one of the best weapons we have."

OSA, OFIS, and the Detroit Office of the U.S Postal Inspection Service are members of a state-level effort called Senior Exploitation and Abuse Quick Response Team (SEAQRT). SEAQRT’s goals include bringing a greater awareness to the abuses and exploitations facing our elderly, expanding elder abuse prevention programs and policy, and offering legislative and administrative and systemic remedies. SEAQRT has been instrumental in developing training for human services workers, law enforcement agencies, prosecuting attorneys, and the general public.

If you are concerned that a loved one may be a victim of fraud, please contact your local law enforcement authority. Additional information about National Consumer Protection Week can be found at http://www.consumer.gov/ncpw/. To learn more about the efforts of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, visit http://www.usps.com/postalinspectors/. Information about SEAQRT can be provided by the OSA at 517-373-8230.