The Fraud Prevention Taskforce provides St. Louis citizens with the tools to proactively protect themselves against fraud, theft and scams. The Taskforce provides regular communication and education for the public. The Fraud Assistance Line is 314-612-1412.
The following Fraud Prevention Seminars are available for your organization free of charge. To get more information or schedule a seminar, contact the Fraud Prevention Taskforce Coordinator at 314-612-1411.
Senior Fraud occurs when criminals use specific methods to deliberately target the elderly. In this seminar, you will learn how and why scam artists pursue senior citizens. You will receive an Understanding Senior Fraud Handbook with guidelines to proactively protect yourself and your loved ones.
Identity theft is the fastest-growing crime in the United States and anyone can be a victim. In this seminar, you will learn proven prevention techniques and discover your personal identity theft probability theft score. You will be provided with a comprehensive list of resources and support to help you get on the road to financial recovery if you fall victim to this crime. You will receive a Power Against Identity Theft Handbook that provides a wide range of tips, resources, and a list of identity theft victims' rights.
Mail and internet fraud accounts for 20-30% of all scams committed in the United States and the number of victims has skyrocketed in recent years. In this seminar, you will become skilled in the safest ways to use the internet and the best use of security software. You will receive a Mail and Internet Fraud Handbook with information on a variety of topics, from why sweepstakes are risky to how to reduce the amount of junk mail that can flood your e-mail inbox.
Caregiver exploitation can take place when a trusted caregiver takes advantage of an individual who relies upon his or her care. The majority of fraud committed against the elderly is by an individual the victim knows; sadly, the criminal is often someone within the victim's family. In this seminar, you will gain insight into some potential vulnerabilities of older adults, common characteristics of perpetrators, and warning signs of exploitation. You will receive a Caregiver Exploitation Handbook that offers simple steps you can take to protect yourself and those you care about. The seminar is ideal for family caregivers, pastoral care providers, and senior care managers.
Caregiver exploitation can take place when a trusted caregiver takes advantage of an individual who relies upon his or her care. The majority of fraud committed against the elderly is by an individual the victim knows; sadly, the criminal is often someone within the victim's family. In this seminar, you will gain insight into some potential vulnerabilities of older adults, common characteristics of perpertrators, and warning signs of exploitation. You will receive a Caregiver Exploitation Handbook that offers simple steps you can take to protect yourself and those you care about. The seminar is ideal for family caregivers, pastoral care providers, and senior care managers.
Predatory lending is one of the most prevalent kinds of financial fraud committed in St. Louis. Lending scams perpetrated by anyone from professional to unscrupulous companies to trusted friends and even family members can result in a victim assuming devastating personal debt and even in losing his or her home. In this seminar, you will obtain the necessary tools to protect yourself from mortgage fraud and quit-claim deed scams. You will also receive a free Predatory Lending Handbook.
Financial advisor and investment fraud can wipe out a lifetime of hard work in an instant. In this seminar, you will discover how to best research potential investments and financial advisors and how to immediately recognize warning signs of potential fraud. You will receive a Financial Advisor and Investment Fraud Handbook.
Home improvement fraud occurs when con artists take advantage of homeowners' pride in their most important investments by offering home improvement services. In this seminar, you will receive a Home Improvement Fraud Handbook that answers such questions as how to find a reliable contractor and how to avoid homeowners' most common mistakes.
Employment and job search fraud is a harsh reality that accompanies a depressed economy and high rates of unemployment. In this seminar, you will learn to protect yourself from criminals as you seek to re-enter the job market. You will receive an Employment and Job Search Handbook providing tips on how to safely post your resume online and how to avoid identity theft while job hunting.
Imposter burglars present themselves at your door as legitimate delivery people, utility workers, or even police officers to gain your trust and entry into your home. In this session, you will learn how these thieves seek to distract you as an accomplice ransacks your home. You will receive an Imposter Burglar Handbook which will teach you to protect your home from these stealth invasions.