Whats the Department of Justice Doing About Telemarketing Fraud?
Since the late 1970s, the Department of Justice has shown a sustained and increasing interest in prosecuting telemarketing fraud cases. In particular, since 1992 the Department has invested substantial time and resources in investigating and prosecuting telemarketing fraud throughout the United States. In two major undercover operations, Operation Disconnect and Operation Senior Sentinel, the Department brought federal criminal charges against more than 1,300 fraudulent telemarketers. Many of these cases have resulted in sentences that included not only significant imprisonment, but also substantial orders or restitution and forfeiture to maximize the return of victims’ losses. The Department also has filed numerous civil actions in recent years against businesses that violate Federal Trade Commission rules that regulate telemarketers. These actions have resulted in the imposition of civil penalties and numerous court orders that prohibit unfair trade tactics. People violating these or
