Learn How to Fight Fraud – Online & at Your Local Library!

The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has a terrific, robust and dynamic website for information and tools about fighting fraud. 

In a special posting, the Legal Counsel for the FTC's Division of Consumer & Business Education has published information about resources you can find in your own neighborhood at your local library.

Book lovers flock to their local library to pick up a favorite classic or the latest bestseller.  Today, library visitors also want and need a whole lot more.  In addition to providing traditional services, librarians help diverse groups of people navigate a complicated world, including how to avoid scams.

As for scams - we’re all consumers – and we’re all targets for fraud. Scammers are good at what they do. They’re professionals who know how to create confusion and prey on emotions to throw people off-balance just long enough to take advantage.  The FTC's job is to give people a heads-up to prevent getting knocked off balance with tools and resources to use when you get scammed and prevention tips for how NOT to get ripped off.

What kind of heads-up? It depends on the topic and the community.  The FTC wants to help librarians help all their patrons. Hence, they asked legal services lawyers, librarians, ESL teachers, military counselors and others working in various communities: What kinds of scams do Library visitors experience?  What do they need to know?  What’s the best way to reach them? 

The FTC has developed resources to address those needs for: people with challenges reading English, older patrons, Spanish-speakers, identity theft victims, new arrivals, and families looking to start a conversation with kids about digital literacy and living life online.  You may have questions related to a job scam or identity theft or an imposter trying to rip someone off.  Click on the colored text for some tips to get you started.

You can find these resources in one convenient spot, FTC.gov/Libraries - a great place to start exploring ways to fight fraud.  Also, check out the Aspen Institute's site about Getting Wallet-Wise.

More Information:

Pass It On
Flyers and bookmarks on topics from identity theft to charity fraud, to help you start conversations and pass it on.

Consumer.gov
Consumer protection basics in a clear, direct style.

For Businesses
No matter your industry or the size of your company, these publications can help you understand and comply with the law.