Criminal Fraud & Prevention

Counterintelligence: Crime and Violence Prevention

Fraud Victims' Handbook Rights, Roles and Responsibilities

Foreword

Criminal Fraud occurs when a person or business intentionally deceives another with promises of goods, services, or financial benefits that do not exist, were never intended to be provided, or were misrepresented. Recognizing con artists, frauds, scams and other illegal activities will prevent crime and violence in our lives. Recognizing con artist, fraud, scams, money schemes and other illegal activities will prevent crime and violence in our lives. Counterintelligence will aid in decision-making that will help us to identify threats and preserve our physical, mental, spiritual, social and financial well being.

Description of the Con Artist

A con artist preys on people’s vanity, ignorance, weaknesses or loneliness, gaining their trust and betraying them without remorse. The characteristics of the con man can be any traits that transcends sex, race, color, beliefs, ethnicity, national origin, professional occupation, mental illness, spirituality and handicap. These professionals operate by themselves or as a team. Their goals is acquire rewards from their prey or potential target. The con man uses techniques that make them appear as an average honest person. The con artist can operate anywhere. The following terms are used to describe con man: Confidence man, swindler, cheat, crook, hustler, scoundrel, trickster, imposter, wolf in sleep clothing and deceiver. The con artist should be avoided at all cost.

Methods of Selecting Victims

	Surveys the target area for potential victims.
	Studies and understand the needs and wants of potential victims.
	Creates, share and uses a mailing list.
	Clip names from newspaper or magazine articles.
	Ask for referrals. Gives rewards and prizes for their help.
	Collects information over phones, E-mail and other devices.
	Selects unusual or female names from phonebooks or mail boxes.
	Solicits door-to-door.

Techniques that influences the Victim

	Quickly creates a rapport.
	Uses effective listening and communication skills.
	Treats you with generous respect and dignity.
	Creates a professional image with an upstanding reputation.
	Uses pressure tactics or sales gimmicks.
	Takes advantage of your weaknesses and strengths.

Types of fraud

	Repair and home improvement scams
	Travel, sales and investment scams
	Charity, telemarketing and good Samaritan scams
	Self improvement, fitness or health scams
	Business schemes, internet scams and insurance scams
	Counterfeit merchandise, unsolicited merchandise and mail fraud
	Banking scams, embezzlement, credit repair and pigeon drop
	Spiritual and religious scams
	Mental health scams and frivolous law suits
	White collar crime

Warning signs

Anyone can become a potential victim regardless of profession, education level, affiliations and age. These are the warning signs.

	"Get rich quick" schemes for which you have to put up money.
	Good Deals that seem too good to be to true.
	Use of high pressure tactics such as "Must Act Today" on the deal.
	Must put money up-front to take advantage of the offer.
	Promises of a risk free Investment or financial scams.
	Winner of a special offer or contest.
	Promises that low income and bad credit does not matter.
	Promises of a free gift, employment opportunities or discount if one attends sales presentations or imparts money.
	Receiving free information by calling a 900 number.
	Tele-Fraud scams that tries to complete all business transaction by phone without any contracts or agreements.
	Beware of Social Security and insurance scams.
	Watch for "Going Out of Business" scams or bait and switch ads.
	Unwillingness to explain anything.
	Beware of anyone posing as government or company official.
	Illusions of wealth and self importance.

Tips to protect yourself

	Be skeptical, do research and take your time.
	Avoid offers that appear too good to be true.
	Avoid high pressure tactics.
	Avoid unrealistic investment opportunities. Avoid work at home schemes, sales gimmick, supplemental Medicare insurance, miracle cures and shady promises
	Tell the marketing caller you are not interested and hang up.
	Take your time and be suspicious of any money deals or unsolicited business.
	Get all agreements in writing that uses plain English not legalese.
	Read all agreements and contract before signing. Have a lawyer examine all major contracts. Avoid signing a contract as a " mere formality".
	Compare services, prices and credit offers before making the deal.
	Investigate the company and offer with the State Attorney's General office, Consumer Protection Agency or Better Business Bureau.
	Keep in mind, even though business may operate legally does not mean that the company provides the best deals or practice ethical behavior.
	Avoid giving information about family and friends to strangers.
	Keep all personal or financial matters confidential.
	Investigate charities and volunteer organization to see if they are legitimate.
	Beware of religious doctrine, theology, ideology that threatens your physical, emotional and spiritual well being with improper techniques and morality.
	Avoid giving out personal and financial information and bank card and credit card numbers through the phone or the internet unless you made the call and checked out the business thoroughly.

Report the Crime

^{If you are victimized, call the police. Do not be embarrassed because you were
tricked, the information is vital in catching the criminal and preventing
victimization in others. It is vital that all victims report a crime and take
action.}

First, Try to resolve the problem with the vendor.

Register a complaint with the Better Business Bureau, National Fraud Center, FTC, State Attorney General Office and trade associations.

Notify and cooperate with the police and press charges. Tell them what happened. No suspicious activity is too small to report. Use your judgment. Make sure that there are no other suspicious activities around your environment such as internal politics or problems. Remember police can not stop crime without your help. Make sure you understand the process and the dangers that go with it

Try to remain calm in order to help the police.

Provide as much detail as you can.

	Tell the police everything about the situation which includes appearance, clothing and criminal activities.
	Pay attention to the details of incident such as time and place.

	Stop Payment if you have written any checks in the transaction
	If necessary, seek legal council but beware of legal scams.

Conclusion:

To preserve your physical, mental, financial well being, educate yourself in criminal fraud and prevention. Always be alert when dealing with people. Do an extensive background investigation into your acquaintances before proceeding with any deals. If you feel uncomfortable with any person, trust your instincts to do what is right for you. Surround yourself with good friends who you can trust to give you sound advice in such matters. Ask for professional assistance to keep you from becoming a victim of criminal fraud or prey for a con artist.

Warning: Please investigate policies and procedures, laws and regulations and history of the organization. If you become suspicious or threatened, find help elsewhere. Guard against questionable practices, carelessness, negligence, criminal activities, off the record conduct, biases, misinformation, re-victimization, misguidance and misdirection when seeking assistance. Know your individual rights, the right to collect information on any subject matter and the right to use other resources, if necessary. Check your instincts from time to time. Proper help is not always available. As a result, other healthy socially accepted methods must be established. Know when to request professional backup for protection.

E-mail: Fhawk@Ccil.org

Disclaimer: This research material is to provide accurate information in regards to the subject matter covered. The author, business and other entities accepts no responsibilities for inaccuracies or omissions; and specifically disclaim any liabilities, loss, or risk, personal, business, financial or related catastrophes which may have incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly as a result of using and applying these principles. The research material is not a substitute for legal, medical, financial or expert advice. If expert assistance is required, seek the service of a competent licensed professional.

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