Learning Opportunities
Programs, Workshops, Classes, Resources, and Events
Building Strong Families
Consumer Beware Module
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.
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
This workshop was developed by Brenda Procter and Wilma
Schuh, Consumer and Family Economics Specialists,
University of Missouri-Extension
For more information about the Consumer Beware Module of
the Building Strong Families Program, contact:
Brenda Procter, M.S.
Associate State Specialist & Instructor
Consumer & Family Economics
College of Human Environmental Sciences
University of Missouri-Extension
162 Stanley Hall
Columbia MO 65211-7700
Phone: 573.882.3820
Fax: 573.884.5768
E-mail: procterb@missouri.edu
This page briefly describes one of many programs offered through University of Missouri Extension. Workshops are scheduled periodically based on the needs and interests expressed by local citizens. Not all of these workshops are available in every county, and specialists may present additional workshops that cover topics not included on this list. Contact your nearest Extension Regional Specialist for more information about the programs that are available in your area
Last update: Monday, August 25, 2008
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