Seniors, don’t be an easy target – National Consumers League

October 1, 2008

Contact: 202-835-3323, media@nclnet.org

Washington, DC- Con artists use many tricks to gain the trust of their victims, and many of them are experts at what they do, warns the National Consumers League. Many have perfected their pitch to successfully target seniors, a vulnerable group of consumers, many of whom may live on fixed incomes or have more free time to consider alluring pitches. This month, NCL is offering older consumers (and their loved ones) advice on how to weed through a fraudulent offer and avoid being duped in its “2008 Consumer Calendar Tips: Do We Have Tips for You!”

The nation’s oldest consumer advocacy organization, NCL works to educate people about how to make wise decisions in today’s marketplace. Each month, NCL’s Web site, www.nclnet.org, will feature the calendar and tips for the month. Covering a range of subjects from medication safety, to avoiding scams, the tips are sponsored by major companies, government agencies, and organizations. The October tips about scams against seniors were sponsored by the Direct Selling Association. This month’s tips feature four common scams that target seniors:

  • Bogus Sweepstakes and Lotteries
  • Phony Charities
  • Pyramid Schemes
  • Home Improvement Fraud

The print version of the calendar was distributed to consumers free of charge through agencies and organizations around the country. There are no printed copies of the calendar remaining.

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About the National Consumers League
The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.nclnet.org.