Attorney General's News Release

August 18, 1999

Nixon calls for tougher telemarketing laws

Branson, Mo. — Attorney General Jay Nixon today called for tougher state laws to prevent telemarketers from harassing and ripping off Missouri's senior citizens. Nixon told members of the American Association of Retired Persons that he will work hand in hand with their legislative committee to make telemarketing fraud laws a priority for the Missouri legislature next year.

Nixon said more than half the telemarketing fraud victims are age 55 or older and that it is estimated the senior citizens get at least two telemarketing calls every week. Nixon recently extradited two men from Florida to stand trial in Missouri after they allegedly harassed a 90-year-old Columbia man and stole $1,887 from him through telemarketing fraud.

"Punishing those who break the law is only part of the solution," Nixon said. "We need to have stronger laws that will protect Missouri senior citizens from being harassed and misled."

Nixon proposed laws that will:

• Require callers to identify themselves, the purpose of their call and the product they are selling;
• Require telemarketers to disclose the total cost of merchandise, any restrictions or conditions, and disclose refund or cancellation policies;
• Prevent telemarketers from using profane or threatening language and from calling at unreasonable hours in the morning or night. "We know this is one method the con artists use to intimidate the elderly," Nixon said.
• Make it illegal for other businesses or organizations to sell personal or financial information to telemarketers without the customer's permission.
• Require telemarketers to honor a consumer's request not to be called again and not to have their names passed along to other companies.

Nixon also said he wanted to work with AARP to push for regulations that will help prevent fraud over the Internet.

Inquiries from consumers should be directed to consumer@ago.mo.gov or 1-800-392-8222 (from within Missouri) or 573-751-3321 (outside Missouri).

All media inquiries should be directed to Press Secretary John Fougere.

E-mail      Phone: 573-751-8844         Fax: 573-751-5818