NCJ Number
216252
Date Published
2006
Length
0 pages
Annotation
This DVD presents a dramatization of a cross-border fraud scheme and offers recommendations for protecting oneself from falling victim to fraud schemes.
Abstract
The DVD begins with a dramatization of a cross-border fraud scheme in which an elderly widow was defrauded by a “boiler room” scheme operating out of Canada. The dramatization highlights the investigation process and describes how such schemes operate and who they target. In this case, the investigator was able to identify the leader of the scheme as a previous fraud offender and enlisted the assistance of Canadian officials, who were able to locate the boiler room, obtain warrants, and arrest the offenders. While the United States Postal Inspection Services are becoming increasingly adept at investigating cross-border fraud schemes with the assistance of its international partners, prevention is still described as the “best medicine.” Several recommendations for protecting oneself from cross-border fraud schemes are presented: (1) if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is; (2) do not be pressured into making quick decisions; (3) ask questions and get references; (4) beware of being added to “mooch” lists of previous fraud victims; (5) be cautious of commercial wire transfer requests; and (6) report victimizations by contacting the local Postal Inspection Services. Contact information for the United States Postal Inspection Services is provided.