Other Types of Financial Fraud
Resources on How to Protect Yourself
Related Organizations and Web Sites | Publications
Unfortunately there are myriad other types of frauds – perhaps too numerous to count. Two common ones are described here:
Charity Fraud: Everyone receives requests for donations in one form or another. Many legitimate charities use telemarketing, direct mail, email and online ads to ask for contributions. Unfortunately, scam artists also use these techniques to pocket your money. If someone asks for a donation, take your time and familiarize yourself with the charity.
Job Scams: Many people looking for work have been ripped off by scam artists who promise a job, access to special job listings, interviews, or a way to make a big income working from home – that is, if they just pay a fee or turn over their credit or debit card information. Don’t pay for the promise of a job.
The categories that follow are more general in nature providing links and resources to web sites and documents that deal with many types of frauds or fraud in general.
Resources on How to Protect Yourself
Ask Questions: Questions You Should Ask About Your Investments
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, May 2010
Buying a Franchise
Federal Trade Commission, 2008
The Federal Trade Commission, the nation’s consumer protection agency, has prepared this booklet to explain how to shop for a franchise opportunity, the obligations of a franchise owner, and questions to ask before you invest.
Federal and Postal Job Scams
Federal Trade Commission, 2010
Short flyer explaining that when it comes to federal and postal jobs, the word to remember is free. Information about job openings with the U.S. government or U.S. Postal Service is free and available to everyone. Applying for a federal or postal job also is free. Federal agencies and the U.S. Postal Service never charge application fees or guarantee that someone will be hired.
Online Dating Scams: When Love Goes Wrong
OnGuard Online, November 2010
Sometimes online romance can be a fantasy, perpetrated by scam artists who are in it for the money rather than the relationship.
Scammers Exploit the FTC’s Good Name, Promise Phony Sweepstakes Prizes
Federal Trade Commission, September 2010
If someone who claims to work for the Federal Trade Commission calls to inform you that you have won a lottery or sweepstakes, don’t send money or account information, and immediately report the incident to the FTC.
Selling a Timeshare Through a Reseller: Contract Caveats
Federal Trade Commission, August 2010
Thinking of selling your timeshare? The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the nation’s consumer protection agency, cautions you to question resellers – real estate brokers and agents who specialize in reselling timeshares. They might make promises they can't keep.
Work at Home Scams
Federal Trade Commission, 2010
Key facts for consumers and where to complain are included in this brief flyer.
Related Organizations and Web Sites
Avoid Charity Fraud
This Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Web site provides tips for recognizing and avoiding fraudulent charities.
Business Opportunities
This Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Web site provides tips for recognizing fraud when considering new business opportunities.
Department of Justice: U.S. Trustee Program
The U.S. Trustee Program is responsible for overseeing the administration of bankruptcy cases and private trustees. Contained on the Trustee Program Web site is information about bankruptcy fraud.
National Motor Vehicle Title Information System
Vehiclehistory.gov
NMVTIS is designed to protect consumers from fraud and unsafe vehicles and to keep stolen vehicles from being resold.
Protect Your Move
U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
Are you moving? Protect yourself from moving fraud
Publications
Federal Grant Scams (Video)
Federal Trade Commission
Federal Job Information (Video)
Federal Trade Commission
Job Scams (Video)
Federal Trade Commission
Fraud: An Inside Look (BizOpps) (Video)
Federal Trade Commission
International Financial Scams--Internet Dating, Inheritance, Work Permits, Overpayment, and Money-Laundering
Department of State, February 2007
All types of advance-fee scams have one point in common – the targeted person is led to believe that he or she has a chance to attain something of very great personal value (financial reward, a romantic relationship, etc) in return for a small up-front monetary outlay. Different forms are described and some sample scripts are included.