equal opportunity/ADA institution Reasons for Fraud Greed Lack of consumer knowledge Consumers too busy Complex marketplace Expert liars Too much (or little) information Average scam runs 90 days or less Consumers hesitant to complain Building Strong Families – Consumer Beware Overhead #1

equal opportunity/ADA institution Consumer Fraud Fraud occurs when a seller lies about an important fact or fails to tell the consumer about an important fact. Building Strong Families – Consumer Beware Overhead #2

equal opportunity/ADA institution How to Prove Fraud False representation (a lie) Knowledge by seller that "facts" were untrue Intent to deceive victim Actual belief by victim that false representations are true Damages suffered by victim by reliance on untruths Building Strong Families – Consumer Beware Overhead #3

equal opportunity/ADA institution Common Methods of Fraud Mail fraud Telemarketing fraud Investment swindles Pyramid schemes Work-at-home schemes Building Strong Families – Consumer Beware Overhead #4

equal opportunity/ADA institution If You Are Conned Act quickly Contact local and State authorities Call MO Attorney General's hotline ( ) Report the con to National Fraud Information Center ( ) Contact local postal inspector, if mail was involved Contact Better Business Bureau Building Strong Families – Consumer Beware Overhead #5