House Considers Tougher Scams Bill
By JANELLE CARTER
.c The Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) - Scam artists who try to con those willing to give after national emergencies would face stiffened penalties under a bill considered in the House Tuesday.
The bill was introduced by Rep. Charles Bass, R-N.H., after reports of several fraudulent schemes and charities in the aftermath of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. It would allow the Federal Trade Commission to levy fines of up to $22,000 for each case involving an unfair or deceptive act during an emergency or disaster.
Lawmakers delayed action on that and three other terrorism-related measures until Wednesday morning.
The fraud bill was one of several bills being considered by the House that stemmed from the recent attacks.
Others:
Urged schools to set aside time to allow children to pray or quietly reflect on the nation as it battles terrorism (H.Con.Res.239).
Expressed support for postal workers and their efforts (H.Con.Res.257).
Urged federal agencies to give highest priority for aid and benefits to children who lost one or both parents in the Sept. 11 attacks (H.Con.Res.228).
Meanwhile, the House passed by a voice vote measures that would:
Give police, firefighters, rescue workers and victims' families lifetime admission passes to national parks and other federal sites (H.R. 2976).
Expand the ability of the Securities and Exchange Commission to respond to emergency situations like the terrorist attacks by allowing the agency to extend emergency orders for up to 90 calendar days. Currently, SEC emergency orders are limited to 10 business days. (H.R. 3060).
Another measure, introduced before the attacks, would allow diplomatic security special agents to obtain and execute search warrants as well as make some misdemeanor arrests (H.R. 2541). That measure passed 410-0.
Bass said his fraud measure was needed because ``we have also seen the darker side of humanity in reports of people using this tragedy and the generous American spirit for their own gain.''
In one instance cited by consumer advocates, people were asked for money for computer experts who supposedly are trying to track Osama bin Laden.
New Mexico's attorney general and the Albuquerque police were led to issue warnings to residents there about a phone scam called ``Firefighters in Need,'' in which people are asked for their charge card numbers.
Officials in Oklahoma, Tennessee and Wyoming have also warned about potential scams.
``We must make it clear that we will severely punish those who aim to take advantage of America's charity or prey on the fear that understandably occurs during an emergency,'' Bass said.
The bills can be found at thomas.loc.gov
AP-NY-11-13-01 1946EST |
