FraudAvengers.org to Help Consumers Fight Payments Fraud

Prosper, TX (PRWEB) October 17, 2011

The Foundation for Payments Fraud Abatement & Activism (FPF2A) today launched its website FraudAvengers.org aimed at becoming the primary resource for the public in understanding, identifying, and preventing consumer-related payments fraud.

FraudAvengers.org consists of blog articles and other information contributed by industry experts to educate and motivate individuals (and small businesses) to take actions that can reduce their personal risk of fraud. The goal of the site is to engender proactive, anti-fraud activity by all members of society.

FPF2A and FraudAvengers.org are led by three leading experts in the field of payments fraud prevention: Robin Slade, president & chief executive officer; Jodi Pratt, director of business development; Michele Edson, director of industry relations. The three have been actively involved in fraud prevention projects within the financial services industry for many years, and all share a passion to fight fraud. Ms. Pratt is also the principal consultant of the fraud consulting firm Jodi Pratt and Associates, Ms. Slade is chief operating officer of the consulting firm The Santa Fe Group and Ms. Edson is a Technical Account Manager at 41st Parameter.

According to Slade, Criminals prey on the vulnerable, cost society in multiple ways, and inhibit positive social and commercial interactions. We are confident that informed individuals can be a major force in fighting fraud. Through FraudAvengers.org we will provide fraud prevention education and awareness to inspire people to take simple steps that can significantly lessen their exposure to payments fraud.

Pratt added, While well-known fraud activities like stolen checks, mail theft and dumpster-diving are still prevalent, the growth of high-tech consumer devices and new payment channels that provide convenience for consumers also make it easier for technology-literate criminals to commit fraud from anywhere in the world. Most consumers are unaware of how all these factors combine to dramatically increase fraud exposure. FraudAvengers.org is designed to encourage and enable people to decrease their susceptibility.

In 2010, approximately 8.1 million adult consumers became victims of identity fraud at a total cost of $ 37 billion (1). In fact, ID theft and bankcard fraud are two of the three top security concerns for Americans (2).

Edson explained FraudAvengers unique model: Until now, the preventative resources available to consumers were a side note to selling a particular product or service, or a static site focused on what people should do after they have become fraud victims. As a non-profit organization, FraudAvengers sole purpose is to provide dynamic up-to-date information that empowers consumers to proactively protect their financial well-being."

FraudAvengers.org is challenging others to get involved. "Were asking other fraud prevention experts to join together with us as Americas Fraud Fighters to build an anti-fraud community of like-minded individuals and organizations bound by their commitment to help Americans take a stand against fraud, said Slade.

Benefactors, advertisers and those interested in writing blog material can contact FPF2A/FraudAvengers through info(at)fraudavengers(dot)org or visit FraudAvengers.org.

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About FPF2A Founded in 2009, FPF2As mission is to identify, understand and resolve the root causes of payments fraud, to add fraud prevention to the public understanding of financial literacy, to empower consumers to protect themselves and others from financial abuse, and to impede criminals who seek to benefit from payments fraud.

FPF2A is a non-profit organization seeking grants and advertisers to help offset costs for FraudAvengers.org. (Donations are tax exempt under Internal Revenue Code, Section 501(c)3. All deductions are fully tax deductible to the extent allowable by law.)

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(1) Javelin Strategy & Research, 2011 Identity Fraud Survey Report: Consumer Version.

(2) Unisys Security Index: United States, 21February 2011.

Cell Phone Comparison Websites Help Consumers Save Big

Walla Walla, WA (PRWEB) April 13, 2006

With the proliferation of cell phones and cell phone plans now available in the United States, how is, The Great American Consumer, supposed to know which wireless company's plan or cellular phone is the right one? Which of the 10 cell phone kiosks at the local mall holds the best wireless plan? Which one of those 200 shiny new cell phones has all the bells and whistles that the average consumer really needs without spending hard earned dollars on gizmos and gadgets they don't need and will never ever learn how to use?

For consumers who use the Internet, answers about the best cell phones and wireless plans are now available online at the click of a mouse. And, the best information available doesn't come from the big cellular companies or cell phone manufactures anymore, but from wireless comparison websites like http://www.wireless-phone.com, http://www.cellchecker.com and http://www.calling-plans.com that are now starting to dominate the cellular sales market. Even official company websites and their brick and mortar stores can't compete with the plans and cash-back cell phone deals now being offered by online cell phone comparison sites.

Comparison websites in all industries are now blowing away what is offered at local brick and mortar stores, and cell phone comparison websites are no different. Wireless comparison websites tend to have 5 to 10 times as many free phones than do the brick and mortar stores and websites for the large wireless phone service companies. And, instead of just getting the phones for free or at a reduced price like at the "Official Company Stores", most comparison websites offer cash-back incentives with many of their free cell phones (with the purchase of a new cell phone plan of course). This should be a little surprising to the average consumer, when they consider the fact that the prices for the wireless plans offered by the "Official Company Stores" and websites are exactly the same as the prices offered on the non-official cell phone comparison websites.

Consumers looking for new cellular phones and cell phone service should answer the following 4 questions, before buying their new phone and service, to make sure they are getting the best deal possible:

1- What cell phone bells and whistles are needed, not just wanted?

2- How many cell phone minutes are needed each month?

3- What is the price quoted on the big 5 wireless phone company websites?

(This is usually the same price as charged in their brick and mortar stores.)

4- What are cell phone comparison websites offering for the same thing?

Once all of the above questions are answered, the best cell phone and wireless plan can be purchased, either online or at a brick and mortar store, with the confidence that comes with being a well-informed consumer.

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