Oklahoma State Senate
Communications Division
State Capitol
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73105

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For Immediate Release: March 9, 2006


   Sen. Ron Justice 

Bill to Protect Elderly and Disabled from Financial Scams Passes Senate

The State Senate passed a measure today to protect Oklahoma's elderly and disabled from financial scams. Senator Ron Justice, R-Chickasha, is the author of Senate Bill 1793 which makes it a felony to knowingly, through deception or intimidation, obtain or use the funds, assets or property of elderly or disabled people.

"I've had a number of people talk to me over the years, even before I got into the legislature, about people that have been taken advantage of through various types of financial scams," said Justice. "Most people automatically recognize these scams for what they are, but some seniors and disabled citizens don't - as we've seen too many times on the news."

SB 1793, which was a request bill from the Oklahoma State Silver-Haired Legislature, pertains to all types of solicitations including through the mail or e-mail as well as telephone and door-to-door solicitation. The measure would also protect those individuals in nursing homes.

Justice noted that his bill provides an opportunity to prosecute scammers. If a person is cheated out of $100,000 or more in funds, assets or property, the violator will be guilty of a felony punishable by imprisonment for no more than 15 years and by a fine not to exceed $10,000. If the amount is $20,000 or more but less than $100,000, the violator would face up to ten years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000. Those convicted of financial exploitation of less than $20,000 would still be fined up to $5,000, but the prison term would not exceed seven years.

"Many times people are scammed out of their entire life savings, and for elderly individuals that may be all they have to live on," said Justice. "So hopefully, this measure will pass and we can stop these horrible people from preying on our most vulnerable citizens."

SB 1793 now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration.

For more information contact:
Senator Justice's Office - (405) 521-5537