The Top Four Governmental Websites You Can Utilize Today To Deal With Scams and Fraud
- Savvy Sentinel
- Oct 29, 2022
- 3 min read
Image by Wix Media
Frauds and scams are a big concern for all of us since unfortunately both seem to be on the rise more and more every week. The banks and businesses we deal with are all working hard to secure their systems and educate us on how to protect ourselves from fraud and scams. Companies advertise on TV everyday to offer identity protection services. So where do you turn for information you can count on to protect yourself and about what to do if you fall victim to some sort of fraud?
Well, of course the first place to start is right where you're at -- The Savvy Sentinel! As you read through the different blog posts you will find a wide array of information available, in clear, easy to understand language, that will help you understand more about potential scams and frauds and will give you information about what to do if you are unfortunately faced with a scam or fraud.
So look around the site and come back frequently to check for new and updated information.
Want more? This post will describe a number of government websites that may provide you with just the information you are looking for. In subsequent posts, we will cover other nongovernmental sources that also give you great information and steps to take.
The danger of fraud and scams is such an important concern these days that many businesses, banks, credit unions and organizations are routinely putting out information to help you be prepared to spot potential scams or fraud, and what to do about it.
But today, let's take a look at a few governmental sites.
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, or the CFPB (because all governmental agencies need an acronym!), is an agency of the Federal government. Their website states that they are dedicated to making sure you are treated fairly by banks, lenders and other financial institutions.
Their fraud page provides:
Definition of terms commonly used when discussing scams and fraud
Suggestions on how to get help
Pointers on how to spot the warning signs of scams and fraud
See more at https://consumer.ftc.gov/scams
or
Federal Bureau of Investigation
The website for the the Federal Bureau of Investigations, FBI, has a page devoted to scams and safety. Click on the Common Scams and Crimes button to learn more about charity and disaster fraud schemes, elder fraud, online holiday shopping scams, ransomware, skimming, spoofing, phishing and more.
Check out this useful resource at:
Image from Wix Media
Office for Victims of Crime
The Office for Victims of Crime, OVC, is part of the U.S. Department of Justice. The link provided below gives some great information and a contact phone number for the National Elder Fraud Hotline.
If you know an elder who has fallen victim to a scam, check out this link and utilize the free services offered.
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
Many of us have heard of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the FDIC, in relation to the banks with whom we do business. They state that they are an independent agency created by Congress to maintain stability and public confidence in the nation's financial system, insuring deposits and supervising financial institutions.
The link shown below contains a lot of good information about scams, how scammers make contact and how to avoid being victimized.
In addition to the above Federal agency websites, many states and local jurisdictions also offer valuable information about scams and fraud, including state level Attorney Generals, state level consumer protection agencies, sheriff and local police departments, and so on. Be sure to check the services and information which may be right at your fingertips locally.
The information the Savvy Sentinel provides is aimed at those who live in the United States. Of course, scams and fraud don't stop at our borders but rather are global in nature. Other resources are available in other countries but not addressed on this website.
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