Beware the Field of Schemes

Has a scam artist targeted you? You can report it online with the National Fraud Information Center's Online Incident Report Form.

The online report-a-fraud program is operated by the National Fraud Information Center, a nonprofit organization that provides comprehensive information about the latest consumer rip-offs. The scam reports are databased and sent electronically to the National Electronic Fraud Database, which is administered by the Federal Trade Commission and the National Association of Attorneys General.

The reports are also sent to appropriate federal agencies such as the FBI, U.S. Postal Service, Securities and Exchange Commission, and the Attorney's Office.

The NFIC, a project of the National Consumers League, maintains a comprehensive Web site with alerts on the latest rip-offs, tips for spotting bogus telemarketers, news of the most recent enforcement actions and pointers for spotting Internet schemes.

A running roster of scams keeps consumers abreast of threats ranging from the classic come-ons like chain letters and pyramid schemes to creative pitches like an offer to invest in ostrich farms to produce a low-fat, low-calorie meat alternative. The coverage includes investment, insurance, charity, medical, telephone and work-at-home scams.

The NFIC is underwritten by MCI Telecommunications, AT&T, MasterCard, Visa and AT&T Universal Card.

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