How to Report Consumer Fraud in Utah

Utah has a program called "Stop Fraud."

The term 'Consumer Fraud' refers to a variety of crimes committed against consumers, ranging from identity theft to email scams. According to the Federal Trade Commission, fraud committed by companies or individuals can cost consumers upwards of $1 billion annually. Utah has an official procedure for reporting consumer fraud or suspicious business activities. Utah's Attorney General has set up a program called "Stop Fraud" to help eliminate fraud and give consumers a chance to report fraud or fraudulent attempts.

Instructions

1. Collect any relevant details surrounding fraudulent business activity of which you have been a victim. Print bank statements, receipts and pertinent emails. Report any fraud that occurred in Utah, or to a resident of Utah, by contacting the Utah Attorney General. To contact by mail, write a statement explaining the fraud and all relevant documents and mail to: Division of Consumer Protection 160 East 300 South, 2nd Floor P.O. Box 146704, Salt Lake City, Utah 84114-6704. To report by fax send all documents to Division of Consumer Protection at 801-530-6001.

2. Report specific frauds that occurred in Utah to the appropriate committee or board. The Utah Division of Consumer Protection has a website where you can find the appropriate place to report each type of fraud. For example, to report an advertising fraud click "Advertising" on the drop down menu at the website. Then you will be provided a link to the appropriate reporting place, in this case the Council of Better Business Bureaus: National Advertising Division.

3. Report consumer fraud committed by a Utah bank in a slightly different way, by contacting the Department of Financial Institutions. Visit the website of the Utah Department of Financial Institutions.

   To report consumer fraud by a bank through the Financial Institutions website, click "Complaints" and download the PDF complaint form. Print and mail the completed form to Financial Institutions, PO Box 146800, Salt Lake City UT 84114-6800 or email it to [e-mail].

Tips & Warnings

• Identity theft is the most common form of consumer fraud. To prevent identity theft, do not give your Social Security number or other personal information out over the phone or through email.

• Emails from unknown senders containing offers of reward money or unexpected lottery winnings are almost always a scam. Do not respond to any emails asking for personal or banking information. Legitimate banks do not send members emails requesting such information as passwords or account numbers.

References

• Federal Trade Commission: FTC Releases List of Top Consumer Fraud Complaints in 2007
• Utah Office of Attorney General: Fraud
• Utah Division of Consumer Protection: How to file a Complaint Manually
• Utah Department of Financial Institutions: Complaints

Resources

• Utah Division of Consumer Protection: Consumers' Referral Guide