The hearing was intended to obtain firsthand information from the business community and the Postal Service on possible means for reversing the rising trend of mail order fraud. The Council reported a 43 percent increase in consumer complaints of mail order fraud in the first 6 months of 1979, compared to an 8 percent increase in other complaints. The great majority of fraud complaints concerned delayed packages or nondelivery; one-sixth related to failure to provide refunds, and credit and billing complaints increased. A significant cause for the increases was the recent bankruptcy of several nationally operating firms. In response, a postal official reviews the overall duties and responsibilities of the service and outlines its efforts to combat mail fraud. The 1872 mail fraud statute is discussed, as is a new consumer protection program which will involve efforts of the Service to alert the public to current mail fraud schemes. The Postal Service will continue to place emphasis on prevention through education and on a strong enforcement policy. A revision of the mail fraud statute is recommended. Senator Glenn also recommends revisions, particularly in the area of civil remedies.