3rd ANNUAL NATIONAL FRAUD AWARENESS WEEK TO TAKE PLACE AUGUST 4-10, 2002

Association of Certified Fraud Examiners Leads Initiative Designed to Educate Businesses and Consumers About Fraud

AUSTIN, Texas -- August 4-10, 2002 marks the third annual National Fraud Awareness Week (NFAW), a time set aside to raise awareness about the impact of fraud and white-collar crime upon our society. The Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, with the support of leading public and private sector organizations, will spearhead efforts to educate businesses and consumers about how to detect, report and deter fraud.
Fraud and abuse cost U.S. organizations over $600 billion annually, and identity theft has become one of the fastest growing crimes in America. The major weapon in curbing the growth of fraud is increased awareness. Fraudweek.com, a Web site established solely for National Fraud Awareness Week, is a major component of these educational efforts. With the costs and prevalence of fraud continuing to rise at alarming rates, The Association and Official Supporters of NFAW are proactively taking the first step toward curbing fraud; which is education," notes Byron Faulkner, Marketing Manager for the Association. Fraudweek.com is a great source of information for those interested in learning more about fraud, how to prevent it, or what to do if they are already a victim."
The site provides both businesses and consumers with a lengthy listing of helpful resources. Identity theft, credit card fraud, small business fraud, telemarketing scams, and healthcare and insurance fraud are among topics visitors can find information on. An interactive Fraud IQ Test allows visitors determine how much, or how little, they may already know about fraud.
In addition to Fraudweek.com, NFAW relies heavily on Official Supporters to help raise the level of awareness nationwide. Businesses, organizations and governmental agencies have signed on as Official Supporters of NFAW and donated their time and resources to help the initiative have an impact at the local level. The mixture of public and private sector organizations lending their support this year include Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, Coalition Against Insurance Fraud, Merchant Fraud Squad, EthicsLine, SCORE, Thomson Financial Publishing, The National Council Against Health Fraud, and the Association of Professionals in Business Management. A complete list of Official Supporters is viewable at www.fraudweek.com/viewsupporters.html.
NFAW will exhibit at the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners 13th Annual Fraud Conference & Trade Show in Hollywood, California on August 4-6, 2002. Attendees can pick up a complimentary copy of the Federal Trade Commissions brochure on identity theft entitled When Bad Things Happen to Your Good Name, learn how they can help spread the word in their community, and network with others at one of the largest gatherings of anti-fraud professionals.
For more information about National Fraud Awareness Week and how to get involved, visit the NFAW Web site at www.fraudweek.com, email info@fraudweek.com, or contact the Association at 800-245-3321.

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The Association of Certified Fraud Examiners is a global, 26,000-member professional organization dedicated to fighting fraud and white-collar crime. Since 1988, the Association has been a major resource for fraud information and training. The Certified Fraud Examiner program is an internationally recognized accrediting process for individuals who possess the specialized skills required to detect, investigate, and deter fraud. Identified as "the premier financial sleuthing organization" by The Wall Street Journal, the Association has been cited for its efforts against white-collar crime by media such as U.S. News & World Report, The New York Times, Fortune, ABC-TV's Nightline and 20/20, and CBS News' 60 Minutes