WASHINGTON, DC U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) called on the Federal Trade Commission to crack down on the ability of supermarkets and retail stores to sell the private information of seniors. New reports indicate that scams against seniors are on the rise and that the ability of companies to sell their private data plays a significant role.

“Supermarkets and retail stores have no place enabling criminals to scam Pennsylvania’s seniors, and the FTC should immediately step in to stop this practice,” Senator Casey said. “While scammers are working night and day to prey on our seniors, the federal government should be working to close down every avenue that allows this to happen. Ending the ability of big companies to sell seniors’ private information is a good place to start.”

New reports suggest that financial fraud against seniors is on the rise. Pennsylvania’s Department of Aging reported 2,700 cases of financial exploitation last year; a jump of 600 cases over the previous year. Though the details of the fraud vary from case to case, it is clear that the victims have been targeted by sophisticated criminals who prey upon their vulnerabilities. In many cases, scammers are able to receive seniors’ private information when supermarkets and retail stores sell the information to marketers. In his letter, Senator Casey called on the FTC to prohibit companies from selling this private information so seniors are better protected.