In my case, in early 2000, I received a phone call from a friend in Hawaii asking if I knew anything about pending "Notch Victims" legislation. I responded "No." My friend then mailed me the accompanying article and form on "Notch Victims." Initially, after receiving these in the mail, I set them aside.

In the summer of 2000, after re-reading the information, I felt that my husband and I would be entitled to each receive the $5,000 lump sum payment, but only if we filled out the form and had our names placed on the National Victim Register. Several items in the flyer led me to the decision to complete the prepared form. My decision to complete the form was primarily based on the statement in the article that says, "the plan has already won overwhelming support among Notch Victims and many of their supporters in Congress have endorsed it. " The other items on the form that influenced my decision was that the form itself was self- addressed to the National Victim Register - TREA Senior Citizens League, and the statement that read "I am requesting in writing that I be registered in order to receive this benefit."

What concerns my husband and me, and probably other Notch Victims, is that we furnished all of the information requested in the form: our full names and other names used, as they appear on our social security cards; our birth dates; places of birth and our coveted social security numbers. All this information is personal and private, and we are always cautioned to protect them. They belong to the individual only and no one else. However, if it would assist us in recovering monies we were told were due us, we, naturally furnished the information. Again, may I reiterate - we believed that the only way we would recover our money was to be placed on the Register and conform to their requirements. We sent no money. The completed forms were mailed to the post office box given on the form.

Believing the legitimacy of this, I waited for confirmation of our registration, which was indicated. Subsequently, I received a mailing from TREA Senior Citizens League, which I thought was the response. However, that was a letter disavowing any involvement with the previous flyer, rather than a confirmation of our registration. This letter included some informational material about themselves and a solicitation for a non-tax deductible charitable contribution. Question - how could they disavow any relationship with the original flyer when they had the information to send me this public relations material and ask for money? Again, I am deeply concerned as to what happened to all the personal information they extracted from us and other unsuspecting senior citizens who responded to the flyers.

In conclusion, I strongly urge that steps be taken to prevent misleading flyers and mailings, especially those directed to senior citizens who are on fixed incomes especially in light of the rising cost of living. I appreciate the opportunity to express my concerns and thank the Subcommittee for investigating this matter and other areas that threaten the welfare of senior citizens. Thank you for your attention and I will be happy to answer any questions.

[An additional attachment is being retained in the Committee files.]

Mailed: __________________

I understand that I may be entitled to receive $5,000 due to inequities in my Social Security payments since I am considered a "notch baby", meaning that I was born in the U.S. between 1917 and 1926.

Therefore, by this letter, I am requesting in writing that I be registered in order to receive this benefit should this bill/measure be passed/approved.

I understand that the following information is required in order for you to register me:

Name: _________________________________________
           (First)                  (Middle)                       (Last)
           (Full Name as shown re: Social Security Card)

Name: _________________________________________
           (First)                  (Middle)                        (Last)
           (Other Name(s) used.)

Address: _______________________________________

_______________________________________________

Telephone No. : _________________________________

Social Security No. : ______________________________

To further assist you, I give you the following additional information:

Date of Birth ___________________________________

Place of Birth __________________________________

I would appreciate receiving a confirmation of my registration and update(s) as to the status of the passage of this bill/measure. I can be contacted at the above telephone number or you may write to me at my current home address listed above.

Thank you for your assistance and anticipated cooperation

Sincerely,

______________________________
Social Security Recipient and
U.S. Senior Citizen and Taxpayer