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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:
- false representation;
- knowledge that the facts stated were
untrue;
- intent to deceive the victim;
- actual belief by the victim, who is
ignorant of the falsity of the representation, that the false
representations are true; and
- 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:
- elderly;
- widows;
- people who have recently become
unemployed;
- parents of new babies;
- students;
- military personnel;
- recent immigrants; and
- 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
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