Helpful Links

All aspects of the data presented herein, and the information contained in the links to which they refer, are susceptible to a degree of error due to the complexities of the process involved in compiling and presenting the data. No warranty, representation, or guaranty is made or implied regarding the content, sequence, accuracy, timeliness, or completeness of the data provided herein.

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Resources for victims of scams

BBB Scam Tracker, or contact your local BBB
Federal Trade Commission (FTC), or call 877-FTC-Help
U.S. Postal Inspection Service has experts to help with chronic sweepstakes scam victims and can be reached at 1-877-876-2455 or uspis.gov
Senate Subcommittee on Aging Fraud hotline: 1-855-303-9470
Western Union: 1-800-448-1492; file a complaint at westernunion.com
MoneyGram: 1-800-926-9400; report a problem at moneygram.com
Green Dot: 1-866-795-7597; contact greendot.com
Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre: toll free from the US at 1-888-495-8501
Adult Protective Services: local help at elderjustice.gov for vulnerable or older adult victims
Types of Identity Theft to know about.

INMATE SEARCH SITES

This list contains links to free public inmate search sites in the various State Department of Correction websites and some counties within the states. The county sites listed are only those counties that will provide you with a photo.

FTC-Scam Prevention Site-Money Matters

The federal government has a new tool to stop people from being scammed during the recession. The Federal Trade Commission launched a new Web site called Money Matters that they hope will help the public avoid bogus companies. "For the most part, fraud preys on consumers not knowing what is going on and not understanding what is happening. So, if we can get the consumer educated, it is much harder for the bad guys to convince the consumer to fork over their money." The site is filled with tips and warning signs for consumers about scams. The FTC especially wants people to be aware of businesses who promise to help homeowners from foreclosure. The Web site has information on scams, credit cards, managing money, dealing with debt and individual's jobs.

TELEMARKETING / INTERNET FRAUD

The National Fraud Information Center/Internet Fraud Watch, operated by the nonprofit National Consumers League in Washington, DC, supplies law enforcement agencies with reports taken directly from consumers about suspected telemarketing and Internet fraud. This free fraud alert system transmits information automatically based on agencies' pre-set specifications (geographic location of victims and perpetrators and other jurisdictional parameters). A daily log shows other agencies that have received the same consumers' reports and contact information for those investigators. There is no obligation to take specific action on consumers' complaints. For more information, contact Noelle Nachtsheim, (202) 835-0618. Two more sites connected with the National Consumers League are: www.fraud.org and www.fakechecks.org

How to Shop Safely Online: A Guide for Seniors

Online shopping is here to stay and it’s a good time to remind ourselves how to protect our most vulnerable from exposure to scams. Unfortunately, seniors remain a top target with $3 billion of losses annually due to fraud which includes identity theft.

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION SAFER WEBSITE
FIGHT FRAUD AMERICA

Fight Fraud America, Inc, (Leslie Kim of The John Cooke Fraud Reports) has developed a new web site at www.fightfraudamerica.com It's the most comprehensive public education fraud site on the Internet, plus there is plenty for investigators as well. Hint: Check out the TOOLBOX function. Leslie invites written contributions from NABI members.
Welfare Investigators of California Arizona Nevada (WICAN) (pronounced we can) is an association of Welfare Fraud Investigators from the three states. Membership has now expanded to Utah, New Mexico, and Colorado as well. The primary purpose is to aid in the discovery and prosecution of benefit fraud especially where the means of the fraud crosses state borders. The association provides a network of Investigators for assistance in cases in our own states and others. We meet quarterly to facilitate dialogue, training and liaison between agencies. The current President of WICAN is Deputy Chief David E. Dent of the Office of Special Investigations for the Arizona Department of Economic Security. The address is 2721 N. 4th St., Ste. 23, Flagstaff, AZ. 86004. Telephone # 928-774-5236, Fax 928-774-1889, E-mail ddent@azdes.gov.

IDENTITY THEFT

Protecting your personal information can help reduce your risk of identity theft. There are four main ways to do it: know who you share information with; store and dispose of your personal information securely, especially your Social Security number; ask questions before deciding to share your personal information; and maintain appropriate security on your computers and other electronic devices. Here's how you can do it.
According to the North Carolina Department of Justice, more than 11 million people find themselves victims of identity theft each year. Identity thieves cost businesses billions of dollars, and targeted individuals often lose thousands of dollars as predators use stolen information to open credit cards, buy myriad items, seek medical treatment, and commit greater crimes. These thieves do more than just steal credit card numbers and rack up charges; they can steal your name and your social security number too. Once an identity thief gets ahold of and uses your information, you could quickly find yourself in a huge personal, financial, and legal mess. Read on for advice on how to protect yourself from would-be identity thieves. Here's a guide to fighting identity theft.
As you are aware, identity theft is on the rise and each year millions of people become victims of the crime. A group of 14–16-year-old kids who were concerned with identity theft, and with assistance from some local business owners prepared an excellent guide on prevention and what to do if you are a victim.
Here is a guide to avoiding identity theft which includes information on the most common ways people's identities and personal information are targeted and stolen online, including key warning signs that you might be a victim of fraud (e.g. loss of services on your utilities or unexplained payments coming out of your account); Eye-opening stats about identity fraud: Did you know that in 2018 alone there have been 82,608 cases of fraud as a result of card details being cloned? That 95% of fraudsters directly pretend to be their victims. and that under-21s and over-60s are the most targeted age groups for online fraud? How to prevent identity theft: The top advice here includes safeguarding techniques like regularly changing your password, using multi-factor authentication and avoiding public wi-fi among other useful resources; The guide also looks at the impact of identity theft on mental health. Some startling figures reveal 60% of people feel extreme anxiety after being a victim, while 42% feared for the safety of their family members.
How to protect your child or teen from identity theft. When you think about your child’s safety, you’re probably worried about matters like crossing the street unattended or wearing a bike helmet — but internet safety is just as important for your child as it is for you. Proactively addressing this risk now can help avoid troublesome issues later, such as receiving mail claiming that your 11-year-old has been pre-approved for their very first — or even second or third — credit card.
Child identity theft is a more common crime than most people think. It’s easy to assume that minors who don’t have credit histories aren’t a target for this crime. However, according to Equifax, children are commonly used as “blank slates” to apply for credit or receive loans because they don’t have credit histories and their credit is often left unmonitored. This issue has become widespread and costly. According to a 2021 study by Javelin Strategy and Research, over 1.25 million children in the U.S. fell victim to identity theft and fraud during the previous year, costing the average affected family over $1,100 (an annual collective total of nearly $1 billion).
Your personal information is an integral part of your identity. Some criminals actively prowl around to steal other people's personal information, such as Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, and bank account numbers. Accessing these details can give criminals the information they need to spend your money, use your credit, open accounts, and even get income tax refunds in your name. Protecting your information from identity theft is important, and you should take steps to keep this data safe. Read these tips on how to keep your online information secure.

INTERNET SCHEMES AND MORE

The FBI has joined the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the online job search company Monster Worldwide, and other partners in launching a new website - LooksTooGoodToBeTrue.com to educate the public about Internet schemes and to provide a central place for consumers to file complaints.
The Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) - Cyber Crime - Internet Fraud. Online reports can be made at www.ic3.gov. The IC3 provides statistical and crime analysis to law enforcement agencies regarding Internet Crimes. These types of cases are normally investigated where suspects reside due to multiple victims being located worldwide.
Information on the Roma people, from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

COLORADO WELFARE FRAUD COUNCIL
The Colorado Welfare Fraud Council (CWFC) is a nonprofit statewide organization comprised of city, county, state, and federal employees who work with the various public assistance programs available to people in Colorado. Our primary goal is to provide information and fraud training to (1) those who are involved in administering benefits programs, (2) those that approve benefits for recipients, and (3) those charged with investigating improper or fraudulent receipt of benefits. The CWFC committee members, officers, and Board of Directors are all volunteers who give their time to achieve the goals and objectives of the organization. This organization exists because of the perseverance of concerned and dedicated workers who want to make a difference and an improvement in the public assistance programs of Colorado.

MEDICARE INFORMATION GUIDES FOR SPANISH SPEAKING SENIORS AND PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

HELPFUL LINKS

Resources for victims of scams