NCJ Number
170593
Date Published
1998
Length
0 pages
Annotation
This videotape indicates that fraud schemes, commonly called white-collar crimes, cheat people out of as much as $40 billion dollars each year, and this estimate does not include the dollar loss from scams such as insurance and Medicaid fraud.
Abstract
Fraud is defined as an illegal act by nonphysical means to obtain money or property. A deeper appreciation by allied professionals of the emotional, financial, and sometimes physical impact of fraud may help fraud victims receive more sensitive treatment by criminal justice personnel. Victim advocates and allied professionals should work together to understand the full range of fraud victim losses and needs as they collaborate to enable victims to participate throughout the criminal justice process. The videotape specifically looks at fraud associated with telemarketing, home repair and home equity, vacations and travel, investments, prizes requiring a fee to claim winnings, and identity theft (credit card and checking account numbers). The importance of vigorously prosecuting fraud cases and providing appropriate services and assistance to victims is emphasized throughout the videotape, and fraud prevention measures are noted.