Financial crime prevention

Reduce your risk

Financial Crime Prevention Resources

Financial crimes—including identity theft, white-collar crime, cybercrime, and other scams designed to steal money or personal information—can affect anyone. Criminals often target those they believe to be most vulnerable, including older adults, by exploiting trust, urgency, or unfamiliarity with technology. 

These crimes frequently involve the misuse of personal information, such as Social Security numbers or financial account details. Stolen information may be used to make unauthorized purchases, open new accounts, access medical services, or commit other forms of fraud that can leave victims with serious financial and legal consequences. 

One of the most effective ways to prevent financial crime is to stay informed and report suspicious activity. The resources below provide reliable information about common scams, consumer protections, reporting tools, and steps individuals can take to safeguard their personal and financial information. 

Visit the Stop Fraud Utah website to find an overview of Utah laws related to white-collar and financial crimes, along with explanations of how those laws are enforced. The site also provides access to the White Collar Crime Offender Registry, where users can search for individuals convicted of qualifying financial crimes in Utah. 

 

The Utah Division of Consumer Protection website explains common fraud schemes affecting consumers, including scams involving contracts, deceptive business practices, and misleading sales tactics. Visitors can learn how to recognize warning signs, understand their rights under Utah law, and find information on how to report suspected fraud. 

 

The Utah Department of Public Safety and the Statewide Information and Analysis Center provide cybersecurity resources focused on preventing online and digital crimes. These pages offer guidance on protecting personal information, recognizing cyber threats such as phishing or ransomware, and improving online security practices for individuals and families. 

 

The Federal Bureau of Investigation website offers detailed information on how fraud schemes operate and how to avoid becoming a victim. Visitors will find explanations of common scams, steps to take if fraud is suspected, and dedicated information on elder fraud, including schemes that frequently target older adults. 

 

The U.S. Department of Justice website includes resources specifically designed for seniors, caregivers, and families. It provides up-to-date alerts about current scams, explanations of how criminals target older adults, and information on how to report suspected elder abuse or financial exploitation. 

Additional information about elder fraud can be found through consumer education websites that focus on identifying common exploitation tactics, protecting older adults from financial abuse, and offering guidance for caregivers and family members who may be helping someone at risk. 

 

The Utah Courts website provides general information about crimes involving financial exploitation of a vulnerable adult. Visitors can learn how these cases are handled in the court system, what legal protections exist, and where to find self-help resources related to criminal proceedings. 

 

The Federal Trade Commission website offers practical consumer guidance on identity theft, including how to recognize signs that personal information has been compromised. It also walks victims through recovery steps, such as placing fraud alerts, reporting identity theft, and restoring financial accounts. 

 

The Securities and Exchange Commission website focuses on protecting investors and preventing investment fraud. Visitors can find information on common investment scams, tools for checking the registration status of financial professionals, and instructions for reporting suspicious or fraudulent activity.