THE EFFECTIVE FRAUD REPORT

A correctly organized and written fraud report cuts down on the time required to catch the con artist and provides a solid base for the Prosecution. Additionally, the sooner you act, the better the chance you have to get your money back.

CATCH THE BAD GUYS!

Okay, you've decided it's time to call in the cops.

They are going to want to know exactly

> What happened.

> Where it happened.

> How it happened.

> When it happened and in what sequence.

> Who was and is involved.

You must be properly prepared to speak with the authorities, or valuable time and leads will be lost. Correctly assembled, a concise and organized account of what happened is your most valuable asset. This account, or report, is called a Narrative.

The better prepared and written the narrative, the faster law enforcement agencies can act to apprehend the con artist.

> A precise narrative provides police with an immediate trail to follow.

> It helps you to get a grip on what happened and why.

> It helps law enforcement see a clear picture of what transpired.

> It is an invaluable aid to the Prosecution.

> It helps prepare you to be a better witness for the Prosecution.

> If you have been caught in the middle, between the con artists and the investors, it can pinpoint the role you played and why.

FOR BEST RESULTS, FOLLOW THE STEPS IN THE ORDER GIVEN

Materials: You will need

> 2 pads of 3-hole punched lined paper, yellow or white and/or

a word processing program (Word, Works, Word Perfect, Excel, etc.)

> Pencil and pen

> Yellow highlighter

> Yellow or white Post-It Notes

> Alligator clips

> 5 Catalog envelopes (or larger) each of 4 labeled as follows

- ORIGINALS

- ITEMS OF PROOF

- WORKING COPY

- (NAME OF ENFORCEMENT AGENCY) COPIES (put your name,

address, and phone number(s) on this one)

> A quiet place to concentrate

Proceed to Step #1 Items of Proof >>

FVM/fr-1

Reporting, crime-fighting, and victim resource links

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES / Fraud Aid Advisory Council