Date
Sunday
Nov
10

November 10-16

International Fraud Awareness Week

Stay sharp, stay informed! International Fraud Awareness Week is here to arm you with the knowledge to combat scams and deceitful tricks.

Type
Week

Introduction

Get ready to sharpen your scam-avoiding skills! International Fraud Awareness Week kicks off on November 10th, a week dedicated to enriching our knowledge and strengthening our defense against sly scams and perilous phishing attempts. This global observance came into existence under The Association of Certified Fraud Examiners in 2000, with a mission to minimize the impact of fraud and protect individuals worldwide. Not meant to scare, but to empower, International Fraud Awareness Week is a rallying cry for us all to be vigilant, informed, and proactive protectors of our personal and financial safety. Let's band together this week, learn and share new tricks to outsmart the fraudsters once and for all!

International Fraud Awareness Week Timeline

2000
Inception of the Concept
The Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) establishes International Fraud Awareness Week.
2004
Worldwide Participation
The initiative gains momentum and reaches an international audience, with organizations globally participating in the campaign.
2008
First Fraud Week Sponsorship Program
ACFE introduces the first official sponsorship program for International Fraud Awareness Week, encouraging businesses and corporations to support the cause.
2012
Expanded Educational Resources
ACFE provides a broader range of free educational resources online, enriching people’s knowledge about different types of fraud.
2017
Record-breaking Participation
Global participation hits an all-time high, with organizations from over 100 countries taking part in the annual International Fraud Awareness Week.

How to Celebrate International Fraud Awareness Week

1

Attend a seminar on fraud

Many communities and organizations host seminars during this week to educate people on different types of frauds, scams, and how to protect themselves. Look for these events in your community or online to learn more about fraud prevention.

2

Do a "Deep-dive" in your digital habits

Use this week as an opportunity to re-evaluate your online habits. Do you have strong, unique passwords for all your accounts? Is your personal information stored securely? Are you cautious about the emails and attachments you open?

3

Discuss with friends or family

Many people are too embarrassed to talk about being scammed, but open discussions can help others avoid becoming a victim. Share your insights, listen to others' experiences, and collectively stay informed about common tricks or schemes.

4

Fact-check information

If something sounds too good to be true, it might be a scam. Confusing language, pressured time frames, or demands for payments can all be red flags. Fact-check information and never rush into financial decisions without understanding the consequences.

5

Run a credit report

Fraud can directly impact your credit score. Use this week to schedule a free annual credit report check. Carefully review the report for any unusual activities and report any discrepancies right away.

Why International Fraud Awareness Week is Important

A

It promotes awareness and knowledge

International Fraud Awareness Week brings to the forefront the importance of being educated about various types of scams and frauds that are prevalent in today's digital world. It stresses on acquiring skills and knowledge to protect oneself from falling victim to such deceitful tricks.

B

It encourages proactive action

This week is not just about learning, it's about taking action. Whether it's improving digital habits, discussing experiences with family and friends, fact-checking information, or running a credit report regularly- the emphasis on being proactive rather than reactive is invaluable in fraud prevention.

C

It fosters a sense of community protection

The International Fraud Awareness Week is a powerful reminder that protecting ourselves from fraud isn't just an individual responsibility, but a communal one. When we share knowledge, experiences and strategies, we create safer communities that are better equipped to outsmart potential fraudsters.