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Fraud and Scams

The Web sites listed below are sponsored by the U.S. Government, associations, or nonprofit organizations.

Better Business Bureau Alerts fraud cartoon

The Council of Better Business Bureaus (CBBB) posts warnings to notify consumers and businesses about recently discovered, fraudulent business scams, as well as help resolve buyer/seller complaints against a business, including mediation and arbitration services.

Coalition Against Insurance Fraud
The Coalition Against Insurance Fraud is the only national organization dedicated exclusively to fighting insurance fraud through public advocacy and public education.
Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
  Confused over your telephone bill? You're not alone. Consumer confusion has significantly contributed to the growth of slamming, cramming, and other types of telecommunications fraud. Contact the FCC to learn how to avoid those unwanted telephone solicitations or to report other abusive techniques.
Housing and Urban Development
  Federal laws and regulations protect you from discrimination, fraud, and unscrupulous practices in buying and renting a home. Don't be a victim of people who may profit at your expense. Know your rights! HUD's Hotline 1-800-347-3735
Internet Fraud Complaint Center (IFCC)
  Provides victims of Internet fraud a convenient, easy-to-use reporting mechanism that alerts authorities of a suspected criminal or civil violation. The IFCC is a partnership between the FBI and the National White Collar Crime Center.
"Internet Fraud: How To Avoid Internet Investment Scams"
  This site discusses internet fraud and gives tips for investment fraud prevention.
Medicare Fraud and Abuse
  Medicare is taking strong action to combat fraud and abuse in key areas. Their goal is to make sure Medicare only does business with legitimate providers and suppliers who will provide Medicare beneficiaries with high quality services.
National Check Fraud Center
  (Official Web Site) The National Check Fraud Center provides check fraud information and takes reports from victims of check fraud crimes. Topics covered include counterfeit checks, forgery, check fraud, and bank fraud.
National Fraud Information Center
  (Official Web Site) This comprehensive site covers all areas of fraud. use this site to report or learn about fraudulent products, services, and companies. The National Fraud Information Center was begun in 1992 by the National Consumers League to fight telemarketing and internet fraud.
National Health Care Anti-Fraud Association
  (Official Web Site) That National Health Care Anti-Fraud Association is an issue-based organization responsible for the detection, investigation, prosecution, and prevention of health care fraud.
Securities and Exchange Commission
  The SEC provides information on how to invest your hard-earned dollars wisely and keep an eye out for investment scams. To learn more about how to avoid costly mistakes and fraud, read the SEC's "Investor Alerts."

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Please e-mail us with your questions, comments or suggestions at cfb4@psu.edu.
Last Update: September 4, 2009
Financial & Consumer Literacy contacts:
Cathy Bowen cbowen@psu.edu or Marilyn Furry mfurry@psu.edu
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