The Worst Kind of Hucksters (Rep. Edward Markey)

Like many others, I was outraged by the front page story in the New York Times this past Sunday about telemarketers that prey upon vulnerable seniors.  It seems that some data brokers — the Times piece focused on one named infoUSA — feed fraudsters specially targeted lists with names such as “Suffering Seniors

On Monday, I wrote Federal Trade Commission Chair Deborah P. Majoras asking specific questions about the incidents reported by the Times and urging the FTC to step up its efforts to stop such exploitation. I want to know when the FTC learned of these predatory practices, whether they know of any contracts infoUSA or any other firm employing similar practices might have with the Federal government and if the FTC has any recommendations for remedial legislation that would strengthen its ability to successfully pursue and prosecute cases of telemarketing fraud.

I expect to hear back from the FTC in the next couple of weeks. In the meantime, the House is already working on moving a package of bills to better protect consumers’ personal information from data thieves who use the Internet or phone to rip off Americans. I am hopeful legislation will move to the House Floor this year.