"Missouri to Tap Seniors As Scam Detectors." Compliance Reporter 7, no. 8(April 10, 2000): p. 15.Notes: Available fulltext on InfoTracAbstract: Missouri's Office of the Secretary State is readying plans to start interviewing senior citizens to take part in a new program aimed at weeding the state of illegal, high-pressure telemarketers who prey on seniors. Missouri is creating the Seniors Targeting Aggressive Telemarketers program because it lacked an undercover program aimed at protecting seniors. The seniors will be trained, given aliases and set up with a second phone line to record telemarketing conversations.

"Telemarketing Fraud Under the Gun." Fund Raising Management 29, no. 12(February 1999): p. 7(2).Notes: Available fulltext on InfoTracAbstract: Criminal charges have been filed against almost 1,000 telemarketers in 38 states after a two and one half year probe by federal and state law enforcers called Operation DOUBLE BARREL. Federal and state agents posing as telemarketing consumers were able to record over 12,000 calls for evidence after the extensive operation was begun in July 1996. Fifty-six percent of telemarketing victims are elderly, frequently active, outgoing, well educated and very trusting.

Adams, Susan. "The Grifter Cops a Plea." Forbes (January 11, 1999): p. 18A.Abstract: Three years ago Forbes exposed con man Marcus Dalton (September 11, 1995) who had spent almost two decades running securities telemarketing scams that bilked investors out of as much as $200 million. Fellow scammers and law enforcement authorities across the country picked up on the headline and dubbed Dalton "the grifter." When he saw Forbes story, says Assistant U.S. Attorney John J. Carney, "It lit a fire--there was no way the government was going to permit it."

Burns, Andrew. "Publishers, FTC Join to Combat Telemarketing Fraud." Folio: The Magazine for Magazine Management 26, no. 9(July 1, 1997): p. 14.Notes: Available fulltext on InfoTrac Abstract: The U.S. Federal Trade Commission closed down fraudulent telemarketing operations throughout the U.S. in May 1997 in compliance with the Telemarketing and Consumer Fraud and Abuse Prevention Act of 1995. New Jersey-based National Scholastic Society, Inc., Virginia-based S.J.A. Society, Inc., and California-based Mag-Topia, Inc., had assets seized after they were accused of bilking customers. Some telemarketing operations believe they should be able to self-police their operations.

Federal Bureau of Investigation. "Operation DOUBLE BARREL." December 1998. [http://www.fbi.gov]. 3 May 2000.Abstract: As fraudulent telemarketers have adopted multiple techniques to make it more difficult to investigate and prosecute them successfully, law enforcement has found it necessary not only to adopt innovative investigative approaches, such as Operations DISCONNECT and SENIOR SENTINEL, but to join forces at all levels of government. Operation DOUBLE BARREL is a nationwide operation that combines the SENIOR SENTINEL technique of consensual recordings, the increasing willingness of federal and state authorities to work together in combating telemarketing fraud, and the availability of "backyard" and "victim venue" prosecution. Many states have also enacted regulatory legislation that makes the telemarketers' failure to comply with that legislation's requirements (e.g., registration and bonding) a criminal offense. The FBI expects that this operation will continue to provide invaluable intelligence about how illegal telemarketing operations function, including the methods of operation and the means of avoiding law enforcement detection and prosecution.

This bibliography is a representative selection of materials either owned or on order by the FBI Academy Library. Inclusion of an item does not represent an endorsement by the FBI of the material or its author.

Federal Trade Commission. "Spread the Word...About Telemarketing Fraud." [http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/edcams/telemarketing/index.html]. 2 May 2000.Abstract: Telemarketing fraud robs Americans of at least $40 billion a year. Through enforcement and consumer education, we can reduce both the number of scams and the number of victims. This page provides information for consumers about telemarketing fraud. It also has resource materials for educators, companies, agencies, and community organizations to distribute to their constituencies.

Federal Trade Commission. "Telemarketing Sales Rule, 16 CFR 310: Rule Review, Request for Public Comments, and Announcement of Public Forums." [http://www.ftc.gov/os/2000/02/telesalesrule16cfr310.htm]. 1 June 2000.Abstract: The FTC is requesting public comment on the Commission's Telemarketing Sales Rule (mandated by the Telemarketing and Consumer Fraud and Abuse Prevention Act, 15 USC ' 6101 et seq., for the Commission to promulgate rules to protect consumers from deceptive telemarketing practices and other abusive telemarketing activities). The Act required that no later than five years after its effective date of December 31, 1995, the Commission is to initiate a rule review to evaluate the Rule's operation and report the results of that review to Congress. Pursuant to this requirement, the Commission is seeking comment about the overall costs and benefits of the Rule and its overall regulatory and economic impact since its adoption in 1995. In addition to reviewing the Rule and its effect on deceptive and abusive telemarketing practices, a broader review will address issues such as changes in technology, composition of the industry, telemarketers' efforts at self-regulation, the effectiveness of law enforcement and legislation, trends in telemarketing, and current consumer issues related to telemarketing.

Harman, Alan. "Community Relations: Phonebusters Help Senior Citizens." Law and Order 47, no. 1(January 1999): pp. 77-80.Abstract: The Criminal Investigation Bureau of the Ontario, Canada, Provincial Police established Project Phonebusters in 1993 as a national task force to address perpetrators of telemarketing fraud directed largely against elderly persons through scams involving charities, prizes, medical care, home repairs, and insurance/financial products. The project's goals are to prosecute central individuals and companies and to educate the public. Education has resulted in a decrease in fraud complaints received over the last three years, as well as a reduction in the number of complainants who were victimized and a smaller amount of lost money.

Kolm, David. Victims of Fraud: Beyond Financial Loss. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Justice, Office for Victims of Crime, 20 min., 1998.Call Number: A/VNotes: In cataloging Abstract: This videotape indicates that fraud schemes, commonly called white-collar crimes, cheat people out of as much as $40 billion dollars each year, and this estimate does not include the dollar loss from scams such as insurance and Medicaid fraud. It specifically looks at fraud associated with telemarketing, home repair and home equity, vacations and travel, investments, prizes requiring a fee to claim winnings, and identity theft (credit card and checking account numbers). Comes with companion resource guide "Providing Services for White-Collar Crime Victims: A Resource for Victim/Witness Coordinators."

'Lectric Law Library's Stacks. "Telemarketing and Consumer Fraud & Abuse Prevention Act." [http://192.41.4.29/files/stf02.htm]. 1 June 2000.Abstract: An act to strengthen the authority of the Federal Trade Commission to protect consumers in connection with sales made with a telephone, and for other purposes.

National Association of Attorneys General. "Consumers "kNOw" Fraud." [http://www.naag.org/features/fraud.html]. 2 May 2000.Abstract: State Attorneys General joined the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Federal Trade Commission, the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Council of Better Business Bureaus, the Department of Justice, and the American Association of Retired Persons to create "Project kNOw Fraud," an effort to help consumers avoid being victimized by telemarketing and mail fraud operators. This website describes the project and offers a variety of resources available to consumers.

National Fraud Information Center. "National Consumers League Releases Top Ten Telemarketing Fraud List." [http://www.fraud.org/news/2000/jan00/011200.htm]. 2 May 2000.Abstract: Consumers who pay for work-at-home schemes are likely to lose money, not make it, according to the National Consumers League, a nonprofit consumer advocacy organization. NCL's National Fraud Information Center, a telemarketing fraud hotline, released its top ten telemarketing complaints for 1999 and work-at-home schemes were the number one fraud reported by consumers. The top ten list is included.

National Fraud Information Center. "Telemarketing Fraud Statistics Report." [http://www.fraud.org/telemarketing/telestat.htm]. 2 May 2000.Abstract: The National Consumers League releases the top ten telemarketing statistics for 1999 as well as cramming statistics for 1999 and provides annual telemarketing statistics beginning in 1996.

National Fraud Information Center. "What is Telemarketing?" [http://www.fraud.org/telemarketing/teleinfo.htm]. 2 May 2000.Abstract: The legal definition varies slightly from place to place, and there are some exceptions to the types of transactions that may be covered. But, in general, telemarketing involves situations in which companies call consumers to sell their goods or services, or consumers call companies to make purchases in response to mailings or other forms of advertising. It is sometimes hard to distinguish between reputable telemarketers and criminals who are using the phone for fraudulent purposes. If you know what to look for, you can identify the "red flags of fraud." The information in this section of the National Fraud Information Center deals with how telephone-related scams work and how to avoid being victimized.

Norrgard, Lee E. and Julia M. Norrgard. Consumer Fraud: A Reference Handbook. Santa Barbara, CA: ABC-Clio, Inc., 1998.Call Number: HV 6695 .N67 1998 REF*Notes: *A second copy is on order for the general collectionAbstract: Acknowledging that consumers lose billions of dollars annually to telemarketing fraud, misleading advertising, and bogus investment schemes, this book reveals the full spectrum of consumer fraud from adulteration to work-at-home scams, it explains what consumer fraud is, how it affects society, and what is being done to combat it.

Office for Victims of Crime. OVC Fact Sheet: Telemarketing Fraud Prevention, Public Awareness, and Training Activities. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Justice, 1998.Call Number: J 34.4:214Abstract: Congress has appropriated money to implement programs designed to prevent telemarketing fraud and to improve services for elderly telemarketing fraud victims. Through these appropriated monies, the Office of Victims of Crime (OVC) funded four innovative projects designed to prevent and intervene in telemarketing fraud schemes that target elderly citizens. This fact sheet describes each of the projects.

Rowh, Mark. "Phone Fraud." OfficeSystems99 16, no. 8(August 1999): p. 50(3).Notes: Available fulltext on InfoTracAbstract: Losses caused by telecommunication fraud were estimated to have cost U.S. businesses over $4 billion in 1998. Telephone fraud cases involving a variety of scams have been reported. Besides charging telephone calls to businesses that become the target of unscrupulous scam artists or using pagers for return 800-number calls linked to 900 numbers, the Council of Better Business Bureaus nationwide report a steady stream of complaints regarding fraudulent telemarketing offers for office supplies, phony prize offers, and questionable appeals on behalf of supposedly charitable organizations.

Shadel, Douglas P. and John T. Schemes & Scams: A Practical Guide for Outwitting Today's Con Artist for the 50+ Generation . Van Nuys, CA: Newcastle Publishing Company, 1994.Call Number: HV 6697 .S52 1994Abstract: This book exposes the professional tricks of con artists using case stories, looks at the most common schemes used against older citizens, and discusses what individuals can do to avoid being swindled. Chapter 6 discusses the strategy and psychology behind how telemarketers swindle older persons and why they continue to be a favorite target for telephone con artists.

Slotter, Keith. "Hidden Faces: Combating Telemarketing Fraud." FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin 67, no. 3(March 1998): p. 9(9).Abstract: Illegal telemarketers have deprived millions of people, particularly retirees, of their hard-earned money. Their technique consists of persuading people to buy certain items and offering an array of rewards that never really come. A telemarketing operation, or what is more commonly called "boiler room operation," is conducted in six stages, namely, solicitation, sales, verification, collection, shipping, and customer service. Despite the success of law enforcement operations, however, illegal telemarketing has increased over the years.

U.S. Department of Justice. "What is Telemarketing Fraud?" [http://www.usdoj.gov/criminal/fraud/telemarketing/]. 2 May 2000. Abstract: This website describes what constitutes telemarketing fraud, the kinds of schemes being used, what the Department of Justice is doing about it, and what consumers can do.

U.S. House of Representatives. "H.R. 3180 'Telemarketing Victims Protection Act'." [http://thomas.loc.gov]. 2 May 2000.Abstract: To amend the Telemarketing and Consumer Fraud and Abuse Prevention Act to authorize the Federal Trade Commission to issue new rules regulating telemarketing firms, and for other purposes. Introduced on October 28, 1999. Referred to the House Committee on Commerce, Subcommittee on Telecommunications, Trade, and Consumer Protection on November 5, 1999. No further action noted.

U.S. House of Representatives. "H.R. 612 'Protection Against Scams on Seniors Act of 1999'." [http://thomas.loc.gov]. 2 May 2000.Abstract: To protect the public, especially seniors, against telemarketing fraud, including fraud over the Internet, and to authorize an educational campaign to improve senior citizens' ability to protect themselves against telemarketing fraud. Introduced on February 4, 1999. Referred to the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime on February 25, 1999. No further action noted.

U.S. Senate. "S. 699 'Telemarketing Fraud and Seniors Protection Act'." May 2000. [http://thomas.loc.gov]. Abstract: A bill to protect the public, especially senior citizens, against telemarketing fraud, including fraud over the Internet, and to authorize an educational campaign to improve senior citizens' ability to protect themselves against telemarketing fraud. Introduced on March 24, 1999, read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. No further action noted.

Compiled by Jean Caddy, 6/00