Developed by Brenda Procter and Wilma Schuh,
Consumer and Family Economics Specialists
University of Missouri Extension, University of Missouri

Relationship to building strong families
Even the strongest family sometimes goes through periods of difficulty and vulnerability. It is at such times that family members could fall victim to consumer fraud or make decisions that are not in the best interest of their family. If family members recognize the warning signs of frauds and scams, and gain skills to avoid becoming victims, they are less likely to fall prey to deceptive practices during vulnerable periods in their lives.

Brief program description
This program is designed to help participants recognize the warning signs of fraud and gain the assertiveness skills needed to avoid it. A short presentation, complete with overheads, is provided for the facilitator to use in presenting key concepts to participants. The program also uses small and large group discussions for sharing real life examples of fraud. A consumer handout will reinforce the learning.

Research findings
Consumer fraud occurs when a seller lies about (knowingly misrepresents) an important fact or fails to tell the consumer about an important fact. It is difficult to prove fraud in court. One must show several proofs: 

  1. false representation; 
  2. knowledge that the facts stated were untrue; 
  3. intent to deceive the victim;
  4. actual belief by the victim, who is ignorant of the falsity of the representation, that the false representations are true; and 
  5. that damages were suffered by reliance on the untruths. Because fraud is so hard to prove after the fact, prevention is particularly important.

Many scams are aimed at consumers in general, but some con artists target certain particularly vulnerable groups: 

  1. elderly; 
  2. widows; 
  3. people who have recently become unemployed; 
  4. parents of new babies; 
  5. students; 
  6. military personnel; 
  7. recent immigrants; and 
  8. people who have recently suffered the death of a family member.

Goals and objectives

  • To understand why consumers are vulnerable to fraudulent schemes;
  • To recognize some of the warning signs of frauds and consumer scams;
  • To understand basic principles or guidelines necessary for avoiding fraud;
  • To determine appropriate action if victimized by fraud.

Target audience
Working families with children


If you have any questions or need information contact:

Lucy Schrader
Building Strong Families Program Coordinator
University of Missouri Extension
162 Stanley Hall
Columbia, MO  65211
573-882-4071
SchraderL@missouri.edu  

Copyright © 2006 Published by University of Missouri-Columbia

Last updated:09/21/2007
Copyright ADA Equal Opportunity