Fraud and Identity Theft Educational Materials

Available from Cloverbelt Credit Union

 

The following materials are available on loan from Cloverbelt Credit Union to educate your family, friends and community groups about a variety of fraud and identity theft scams.  This free service is another Big Difference Benefit offered by Cloverbelt Credit Union to help protect you and your hard earned money from fraudsters. To borrow any of these materials, contact Kathy Jansen at 842-5693 ext. 328.

 

Fraud Prevention DVDs produced by the US Postal Inspection Service – approx 10-15 min long

 

 

 

 

Web of Deceit: Internet Fraud ~ Telemarketing and mail fraud scams are now coming to you from cyberspace in the form of fake emails, fake web sites and phishing attempts.  This video tells the story of a scammer who uses the Internet to victimize unsuspecting consumers and gets caught in his own web of deceit.  Video also provides tips on what to watch out for when you do business on the Internet.

 

Long Shot: Foreign Lottery Scams ~ It’s illegal to play foreign lotteries in the United States but another reason not to play is that you’re almost guaranteed to lose.  Once you play, you can count on receiving more “chances” to play and lose. This video tells the story of a foreign lottery fraud victim and the con artist behind the scam and provides tips on helping you avoid becoming a scam victim.

 

Identity Crisis: Protect Your Identity ~ Identity fraud is the fastest growing crime in America.  With millions of victims and losses in the billions of dollars, it continues to be one of consumers’ biggest fears.  This video tells the story of a couple whose credit is ruined and of the criminals who defrauded them.  Also provides tips on how to protect yourself against identity fraud and what to do if you become a victim.

 

All the King’s Men: Picking up the Pieces ~ Fraud schemes victimize millions of Americans each year, leaving many financially devastated.  There are laws to protect victims and services and support available to them.  Remember, being a crime victim is nothing to be ashamed of and neither is seeking help to recover from it.

 

Nowhere to Run: Cross-Border Fraud ~ The Internet and international telephone calls make it easy for fraudsters to work from anywhere in the world.  This video illustrates how U.S. Postal Inspectors created task forces with Canadian law enforcement partners to stop “long distance” scams.

 

Dialing for Dollars: Telemarketing Fraud ~ Telemarketing fraud costs Americans millions of dollars each year and when it comes to phony investment “opportunities”, older Americans are prime targets.  This video tells the story of such a scam and the lives that are ruined by criminals.  Also provides tips on how to protect yourself from investment fraud and tells you what to do if you’ve been victimized.

 

Work-at-Home Scams: They Just Don’t Pay ~ Working at home has become attractive to many stay-at-home parents, college students and retirees.  While some jobs are legitimate, many others just don’t deliver on their promises.  This video tells the story of a new type of illegal work-at-home scam and how a young mother gets caught up in it.  It also provides tips on how you can avoid being duped by criminals and what to do if you’ve been victimized.

  

 

Deter – Detect – Defend: Fighting Back Against Identity Theft education guide

 

 

 

Produced by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), this packet includes information that can be presented in a group setting (for church or community groups, at work or the local senior center, etc).  Includes all materials needed to make the presentation ~ you do not need to be an identity theft expert to use this program.  Includes:

 

• Talking About Identity Theft: A How-To Guide includes a step-by-step plan for organizing an identity theft awareness event
• CD-ROM ~ Deter, Detect, Defend, a Power Point presentation with printable slides to use as handouts; includes presenter text to accompany each slide
• DVD ~ Avoid ID Theft: Deter, Detect, Defend, a 10 minute video in English or Spanish
• Take Charge: Fighting Back Against Identity Theft, a 46 page book with information about steps to take if you’re a victim of identity theft

  

On-line Resources for Fraud and Identity Theft Materials

 

 

 

 

The Federal Trade Commission web site www.ftc.gov/idtheft offers a wide variety of information about combating identity theft.  In addition, they offer FREE electronic and print materials relating to identity theft and fraud. 

  

U.S. Postal Inspectors at http://postalinspectors.uspis.gov/pressroom/videos.aspx has FREE versions of the DVDs listed on the previous page that can be viewed or downloaded.

  

www.lookstoogoodtobetrue.com has many resources to help consumers identify different types of fraud and common ways that fraudsters try to steal your money and identity.  Site also includes a section geared towards teens with information on fraud and on-line safety.

 

Visit www.fakechecks.org for fraud information and quizzes, video clips of victims who lost money after being scammed and more.

 

 

 

There are many resources available to help consumers combat identity theft, fraud and scams.  Use this information to protect yourself, your money and your name.

 

 

Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!

 

 

 

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