Companies target senior citizens in
mattress pad scam
Several companies are targeting area senior citizens with high-pressure
sales tactics involving magnetic mattress pads.
The St. Peters, Mo., Police Department said the companies often send
postcards inviting senior citizens to a free meal at a local restaurant.
At the meal they pressure the senior citizens to purchase the magnetic
pads, which range in price from $800 to $1,100, claiming medical benefits.
They offer a full refund after clients have used the pad for at least 80
to 100 days, long enough for the companies to sell numerous pads and leave
the area.
The Attorney General of Missouri is investigating these types of
companies, the department said.
The Food and Drug Administration has said that magnets promoted for
medical use violate the law. In addition, the pads cost about $100 to $150
to manufacture.
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