OVC Bulletin, May 2000: Victims of Fraud and Economic Crime

Through comprehensive discussion of the issues and the impact of fraud and economic crime on victims, focus group members generated 10 priorities for helping these victims. The Federal Government can lead this effort by:

Increasing awareness of the emotional impact of fraud and economic crime on victims. Increasing sensitivity, knowledge, and capacity of criminal justice personnel and victim advocates regarding victims of fraud and economic crime and the major concerns facing them, including restitution and financial remedies. Passing legislation to increase victims' standing in the criminal justice process.
Increasing accountability of criminal justice personnel and victim advocates toward victims of fraud and economic crime.
Developing fraud and economic crime victimization training programs for criminal justice system professionals, including law enforcement officers; prosecutors; judges; corrections, probation, and parole officers; and victim services personnel. Teaching criminal justice professionals their proper roles in helping victims at State, Federal, and local levels.
Developing effective national media campaigns on fraud and economic crime victimization.
Identifying or creating victim services that can be adapted or improved for older victims of fraud and economic crime. Recognizing that victim service providers are often financially, technologically, and geographically disadvantaged to deal effectively with the myriad concerns of older victims.
Identifying or creating networks within all cultural and language groups to provide assistance with outreach and public awareness efforts.
Developing victim support groups that provide emotional support, practical guidance, and information.
Researching victims' needs and using that information to develop effective policies.
Recognizing and responding to the needs of identity theft victims and providing remedies for those needs.
Acknowledging the role of the financial industry in protecting victims from further victimization.

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OVC Bulletin, May 2000, Victims of Fraud and Economic Crime