The hearings were designed to alert the 550,000 to 900,000 people in Connecticut over age 60 to the existence of such schemes, to warn perpetrators of severe penalties which will be imposed, and to discuss the need for new laws to prevent this type of abuse. Senior citizens are the primary victims of mail order pirates who promise arthritis and cancer cures, an extension of one's life, or a halt to the aging process. Investment swindles involving land purchases and commodities sales also target the elderly. The Boston Regional Director of the Federal Trade Commission emphasizes that the commission has satisfactorily resolved the complaints of thousands of elderly citizens. The Assistant Chief Postal Inspector for the United States, Criminal Investigations, states that prevention is the best tool in the criminal investigation effort. The inspection service believes that a substantial reduction in crime can be accomplished through a combination of public awareness and a lessening of opportunity for the criminal. The Commissioner of the Connecticut Department on Aging notes that many cases involving exploitation of older persons feature relatives or caretakers as the perpetrators. Often, an elderly person who is not always lucid is convinced to sign away property rights without fully comprehending the consequences of this action. Other witnesses include officials of the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection, the Connecticut Insurance Department, Connecticut Legal Services, and the Office of the U.S. Attorney, District of Connecticut.