    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: WILLIAM J. CLINTON (1999, Book II)]
    [December 12, 1999]
    [Page 2291]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on Signing the Deceptive Mail Prevention and Enforcement Act
    December 12, 1999

        Today I have signed into law S. 335, which contains the Deceptive
    Mail Prevention and Enforcement Act. Too often, consumers--especially
    the elderly--either understand sweepstakes mailings to mean that they
    have won large prizes or else spend their savings on unwanted
    merchandise and publications in the hope of increasing their chances of
    winning. Too often, mailing and sweepstakes practices seem designed to
    mislead.
        This legislation will protect Americans against those who use
    sweepstakes and mailings to deceive and exploit the unwary. It will
    establish standards for sweepstakes mailings, skill contests, and
    facsimile checks; restrict ``government look-alike'' documents; and
    allow individuals to have their names and addresses removed from
    sweepstakes mailing lists if they choose. Disclosures will make clear
    that no purchase is necessary to enter a sweepstakes and that a purchase
    will not improve a consumer's chances of winning a prize. The
    legislation also creates strong financial penalties for companies that
    do not disclose all terms and conditions of a contest. Individuals will
    be able to request a stop to certain mailings that come to their homes,
    and companies will face liability if they do not honor these requests.
    The United States Postal Service will have enhanced authority to
    investigate and stop deceptive mailings, and companies will face greater
    penalties for failing to comply with a Postal Service ``stop order.''
        I am proud to sign S. 335 into law today to establish a ``right to
    know'' for sweepstakes mailing recipients and protect Americans against
    misleading mailing and sweepstakes practices.

                                                          William J. Clinton

    The White House,

    December 12, 1999.

    Note: S. 335, approved December 12, was assigned Public Law No. 106-168.
    This statement was released by the Office of the Press Secretary on
    December 13.