Topics
Fraud and Identity Theft
Information and resources to protect yourself and your family from fraud and identity theft.
It’s not always easy to spot con artists. They invade your home through the telephone, computer, and mail; advertise in well-known newspapers and magazines; and come through your door. Most people think they’re too smart to fall for a scam, but the opposite is true.
The National Consumer League’s National Fraud Information Center reported that from January to September 2005, online auctions accounted for 42 percent of all complaints received. Far worse, the average loss was an astounding $1,129. The loss to consumers from identity theft was $5 billion in 2004, with an average loss of $400, $1,440 if the crime was committed online.
One particularly insidious type of crime preys on the goodwill of the American public: charity fraud, which increases at times of national tragedies and natural disasters. (According to the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance, Americans gave $200 billion to charity in 2000.) Anyone can fall victim to these crooks: Almost without fail, they’re well-mannered, friendly, and helpful—at least at first.
Information about Fraud and Identity Theft
Evolving with Technology
A comprehensive introduction to cybercrime with links to resources
Tips to Prevent Identity Theft
Keep yourself safe from criminals who want to steal your personal information
Products and Publications on Fraud and Identity Theft
Preventing Identity Theft
Colorful, twelve page booklet on preventing identity theft. Available in packs of 10
Preventing Fraud, Abuse, and Other Crime on the Internet
This report explains why the Internet is so attractive to criminals and con artists, and how to protect yourself
Safer Seniors
This kit, written for community resource liaisons, was designed to help teach seniors about fraud, safety, and crime prevention so they can learn how to protect themselves and feel safer
Small Community Investment Can Protect Seniors Against Fraud
This report explores reasons seniors are disproportionately vulnerable to fraud, identifies key components of a Safety Net, looks at how a Safety Net can work, and identifies benefits to the community and its residents
Downloadable Resources on Fraud and Identity Theft
| Title | Description | Size |
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7 Tips on Preventing Identity Theft
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Newspaper Mat Feature: In the course of the day, you do many activities that put your personal information at risk — from writing a check at the store to char... | 1.4 MB |
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10 Tips To Secure Your Personal Computer
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A reproducible brochure with tips on how to protect your computer from scammers | 44.1 kB |
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Avoid Investment Fraud
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A two-page report on how to invest safely and avoid financial fraud | 65.5 kB |
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Charitable Giving Done Wisely
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A two-page report on how to ensure that your give wisely to charity and avoid charity fraud | 60.2 kB |
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Don't Be Scammed
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This one page PDF identifies many of the typical scams to watch out for online | 46.9 kB |
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Identity Theft and Strategies for Crime Prevention
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This presentation defines identity theft, discusses why participants should worry about it, examines how identity theft occurs, looks at how identity theft has ... | 3.9 MB |
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Identity Theft Brochure
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A reproducible brochure on preventing identity theft | 104.6 kB |
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Is There An iCrime Wave
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This research brief looks at the correlation between iPod popularity and increased theft | 20.0 kB |
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Keeping Insider Information Inside
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A reproducible brochure with guidelines for employees on keeping company information protected | 357.7 kB |
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Online Auction Fraud
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A reproducible brochure about how online auction fraud occurs and how to prevent it | 1.5 MB |
