NCVS Supplemental Fraud Survey (SFS) Questionnaire

Draft 06/14/2017

National Crime Victimization Survey
Supplemental Fraud Survey (SFS)
INTRO INTRO_1
From time to time, the Bureau of Justice Statistics of the U.S. Department of Justice collects information
on special topics. We are now going to ask you about experiences in which someone convinced you to
pay, invest, or donate money, by tricking or lying to you, hiding information, or promising you something
that you never received. We estimate these questions will take between 5 to 15 minutes depending on
your circumstances. The U.S. Census Bureau is required by law to keep your information confidential.
Prize or grant fraud – screener
S1. PRIZE
In the past 12 months, that is, since [AUTOFILL DATE 1st OF MONTH 1 YEAR PRIOR], did you pay money
to receive a prize, grant, inheritance, lottery winning, or sum of money that you were told was yours?
This can include:
• Money
• Trips
• Jewelry
• Televisions
• Electronics
• Other prizes
1=YES (ask S1a)
2=NO (skip to S2)
S1a. PRIZE_TIMES
How many times did this happen in the past 12 months?
If respondent is unsure, ask for an estimate.
___________
(If 1, ask S1b)
(If >1, skip to S1c)
S1b. PRIZE_RECEIVED
Did you get all of the money or prizes you were promised?
1=YES
2=NO
(skip to S2)
S1c. PRIZE_RECEIVED_NUM
For how many of these INCIDENTS did you get all of the money or prizes you were promised?
If respondent is unsure, ask for an estimate.
___________
(ask S2)
HARD EDIT CHECK PRIZE_RECEIVED_CK; If S1c>S1a
The number of incidents mentioned where the respondent received all the money or prizes promised, is
greater than the number of incidents reported.
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Phantom debt collection fraud – screener
S2. DEBT
[IF S1=1: Not including the time(s) you already told me about] In the past 12 months, that is, since
[AUTOFILL DATE 1st OF MONTH 1 YEAR PRIOR], did you pay money to settle or pay off a debt, but you
found out you were being tricked or lied to and the debt was not real or not yours?
1=YES (skip to S2a)
2=NO (skip to S3)
S2a. DEBT_TIMES
How many times did this happen in the past 12 months?
If respondent is unsure, ask for an estimate.
____________
(ask S3)

Charity fraud – screener
S3. CHARITY
[IF S1=1 or S2=1: Not including the time(s) you already told me about] In the past 12 months, that is,
since [AUTOFILL DATE 1st OF MONTH 1 YEAR PRIOR], have you donated money to a charity or a
charitable cause that later turned out to be fake or that you later suspected was fake?
If respondents ask if they should exclude experiences giving money to panhandlers on the street, ask the
respondent to think about whether that experience turned out to be fake or that they later suspected
was fake. If yes, include that experience.
1=YES (ask S3a)
2=NO (skip to S4)
S3a. CHARITY_TIMES
How many times did this happen in the past 12 months?
If respondent is unsure, ask for an estimate.
____________
(ask S4)

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Employment fraud – screener
S4. JOB_FRAUD
[IF S1=1 or S2=1 or S3=1: Not including the time(s) you already told me about] In the past 12 months,
that is, since [AUTOFILL DATE 1st OF MONTH 1 YEAR PRIOR], have you paid money to get a job or get
into a business opportunity but were tricked or lied to about how the money would be used or what you
would receive in return?
1=YES (ask S4a)
2=NO (skip to S5)
S4a. JOB_FRAUD_TIMES
How many times did this happen in the past 12 months?
If respondent is unsure, ask for an estimate.
____________
(If 1, ask S4b)
(If >1, ask S4b1)
S4b. JOB_FRAUD_ALLMONEYBACK
Did you get all of your money back from the person or company WITHOUT filing a claim or taking legal
action?
If respondent says “Not yet” or “Some”, mark “No”, did not get all their money back.
1=YES (Skip to S5)
2=NO (Skip to S4c)
S4b1. JOB_FRAUD_ALLMONEYBACK_NUM
For how many of these incidents did you get all of your money back from the person or company
WITHOUT filing a claim or taking legal action?
If the respondent says “Not yet” or “Some” for one or more incidents, do not count that incident in this
question.
If respondent is unsure, ask for an estimate.
____________
(If S4a-S4b1=1, ask S4c)
(If S4a-S4b1>1, skip to S4c1)
(Else, skip to S5)
HARD EDIT CHECK JOB_FRAUD_ALLMONEYBACK_CK; If S4b1>S4a,
The number of incidents where the respondent got all of their money back without filing a claim or
taking legal action is greater than the number of incidents reported.
S4c. JOB_FRAUD_TRY
For that incident in which you did not get all your money back, did you try to get it back?
1=YES (ask S4d)
2=NO (skip to S5)
S4c1. JOB_FRAUD_TRYMULT
For those incidents in which you did not get all your money back, did you try to get it back?
1=YES (ask S4c2)
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2=NO (skip to S5)
S4c2. JOB_FRAUD_TRY_NUM
For how many?
If respondent is unsure, ask for an estimate.
_____________
(If 1, ask S4d)
(If >1, skip to S4d1)
HARD EDIT CHECK JOB_FRAUD_TRY_CK; If S4c2>S4a-S4b1
The number of incidents where the respondent tried to get their money back is greater than the number
of incidents possible.
S4d. JOB_FRAUD_CHANCE
Do you think there is a chance that the person or company might still give you all of your money back?
1=YES
2=NO
3=DON’T KNOW
(skip to S5)
S4d1. JOB_FRAUD_CHANCEMULT Do you think there is a chance that the person or company might still
give you all of your money back for any incidents?
1=YES (ask S4d2)
2=NO (skip to S5)
3=DON’T KNOW (skip to S5)
S4d2. JOB_FRAUD_CHANCE_NUM
For how many?
If respondent is unsure, ask for an estimate.
_____________
(ask S5)
HARD EDIT CHECK JOB_FRAUD_CHANCE_CK; If S4d2>S4a
The number of incidents in which the respondent thinks there is a chance that the person or company
might still give all their money back is greater than the number of incidents possible.

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Consumer investment fraud – screener
S5. INVESTMENT
[If S1=1 or S2=1 or S3=1 or S4=1: Not including the time(s) you already told me about] In the past 12
months, that is, since [AUTOFILL DATE 1st OF MONTH 1 YEAR PRIOR], have you invested money with a
person or company that tricked you or lied to you about what you would receive, such as promising a
guaranteed return on your investment or that you would not lose any money?
1=YES (ask S5a)
2=NO (skip to S6)
S5a. INVEST_TIMES
How many times did this happen in the past 12 months?
If respondent is unsure, ask for an estimate.
_____________
(If 1, ask S5b)
(If >1, skip to S5b1)
S5b. INVEST_EXPECT
Excluding monetary gains, were you expecting to receive a product or service in return for your
investment?
If respondent was supposed to invest money and received only money in return, mark “No.”
1=YES (skip to S6z)
2=NO (skip to S5c1)
S5b1. INVEST_EXPECT_NUM
Excluding monetary gains, for how many of these incidents were you expecting to receive a product or
service in return for your investment?
If respondent is unsure, ask for an estimate.
______________
(If S5b1=0, ask S5cx)
(If S5b1>0 and S5a>S5b1, ask S5c2)
(If S5a=S5b1, ask S6z)
HARD EDIT CHECK INVEST_EXPECT_CK; if S5b1>S5a
The number of incidents where the respondent expected to receive a product or service in return for
their investment is greater than the number of incidents reported.
S5c1. INVEST_MADEUP
Do you believe that the investment opportunity was MADE UP or that your money was NEVER invested
at all?
1=YES
2=NO
(skip to S6)

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S5cx. INVEST_MADEUP_NUM
For how many of these incidents do you believe that the investment opportunity was MADE UP or that
your money was NEVER invested at all?
If respondent is unsure, ask for an estimate.
_____________
(skip to S6)
HARD EDIT CHECK INVEST_MADEUP_CK; if S5cx>S5a
The number of incidents where the respondent believed the investment opportunity was MADE UP or
that their money was NEVER invested is greater than the number of incidents reported.
S5c2. INVEST_MADEUP_NO_PS
For now, thinking only about the investment scams that were supposed to provide you with a monetary
gain, for how many of these incidents do you believe that the investment opportunity was MADE UP or
that your money was NEVER invested at all?
If respondent is unsure, ask for an estimate.
_____________
(skip to S6)
HARD EDIT CHECK INVEST_MADEUP_NO_PS_CK; if S5c2>S5a-S5b1
The number of incidents where the respondent believed the investment opportunity was MADE UP or
that their money was NEVER invested is greater than the number of incidents possible.

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Consumer products or services fraud (excluding unauthorized billing) – screener
ASK IF If S5a=S5b1 or S5b=1 or S5c2=entry (INVEST_TIMES=INVEST_EXPECT_NUM or INVEST_EXPECT=1
or INVEST_MADEUP_NO_PS=entry)
S6z. PRODUCT_SERVICE_A
[If S5c2=entry: Thinking about the time(s) you were expecting to receive a product or service in return
for your investment,] Would you say you paid for products or services that you NEVER received or that
turned out to be a SCAM?
1=YES (ask S6a)
2=NO (skip to S7)
FOR ALL OTHER RESPONDENTS
S6. PRODUCT_SERVICE_B
[IF S1=1 or S2=1 or S3=1 or S4=1 or S5=1: Not including the time(s) you already told me about] In the
past 12 months, that is, since [AUTOFILL DATE 1st OF MONTH 1 YEAR PRIOR], have you paid for any
products or services that you NEVER received or that turned out to be a SCAM?
1=YES (skip to S6a)
2=NO (skip to S7)
S6a. PROD_SERV_TIMES
How many times did this happen in the past 12 months?
If respondent is unsure, ask for an estimate.
_____________
(If 1, ask S6b)
(If >1, skip to S6b1)
S6b. PROD_SERV_ALLMONEYBACK
Did you get all of your money back from the person or company WITHOUT filing a claim or taking legal
action?
If respondent says “Not yet” or “Some”, mark “No”, did not get all their money back.
1=YES (skip to S7)
2=NO (skip to S6c)
S6b1. PROD_SERV_ALLMONEYBACK_NUM
For how many of these incidents did you get all of your money back from the person or company
WITHOUT filing a claim or taking legal action?
If the respondent says “Not yet” or “Some” for one or more incidents, do not count that incident in this
question.
If respondent is unsure, ask for an estimate.
____________
(If S6a-S6b1=1, ask S6c)
(If S6a-S6b1>1, skip to S6c1)
(Else, skip to S7)
HARD EDIT CHECK PROD_SERV_ALLMONEYBACK_CK, If S6b1>S6a
The number of incidents where the respondent got all their money back from the person or company
without filing a claim or taking legal action is greater than the number of incidents reported.
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S6c. PROD_SERV_TRY
For that incident in which you did not get all your money back, did you try to get it back?
1=YES (skip to S6D)
2=NO (skip to S7)
S6c1. PROD_SERV_TRYMULT
For those incidents in which you did not get all your money back, did you try to get it back?
1=YES (ask S6c2)
2=NO (skip to S7)
S6c2. PROD_SERV_TRY_NUM
For how many?
If respondent is unsure, ask for an estimate.
_____________
(If 1, ask S6d)
(Else, skip to S6d1)
HARD EDIT CHECK PROD_SERV_TRY_CK; If S6c2>S6a-S6b1
The number of incidents where the respondent tried to get their money back is greater than the number
of incidents possible.
S6d. PROD_SERV_CHANCE
Do you think there is a chance that the person or company might still give you all of your money back?
1=YES
2=NO
3=DON’T KNOW
(skip to S7)
S6d1. PROD_SERV_CHANCEMULT
Do you think there is a chance that the person or company might still give you all of your money back for
any incidents?
1=YES (ask S6d2)
2=NO (skip to S7)
3=DON’T KNOW (skip to S7)
S6d2. PROD_SERV_CHANCE_NUM
For how many?
If respondent is unsure, ask for an estimate.
_____________
(ask S7)
HARD EDIT CHECK PROD_SERV_CHANCE_CK; If S6d2>S6a
The number of incidents in which the respondent thinks there is a chance that the person or company
might still give all their money back is greater than the number of incidents possible.
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Relationship/trust fraud – screener
S7. TRUST
[IF S1=1 or S2=1 or S3=1 or S4=1 or S5=1 or S6=1: Not including the time(s) you already told me about]
In the past 12 months, that is, since [AUTOFILL DATE 1st OF MONTH 1 YEAR PRIOR], have you donated,
sent, or otherwise given money to someone who PRETENDED to be a family member, friend, caregiver,
or someone interested in you romantically, but that person was not who they claimed to be?
1=YES (ask S7a)
2=NO (SKIP TO INCIDENT FORM IF RESPONDENT SCREENED IN AS A FRAUD VICTIM; ALL ELSE END
SURVEY)
S7a. TRUST_TIMES
How many times did this happen in the past 12 months?
If respondent is unsure, ask for an estimate.
_____________
(GO TO INCIDENT FORM IF RESPONDENT SCREENED IN AS A FRAUD VICTIM; ALL ELSE END SURVEY.)

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Prize or grant fraud – incident form
RESPONDENT RECEIVES THIS INCIDENT FORM IF THEY SCREEN IN AS A PRIZE OR GRANT FRAUD VICTIM
BY REPORTING –
•

S1b=2 or S1a>S1c (PRIZE_RECEIVED=2 or PRIZE_TIMES>PRIZE_RECEIVED_NUM)
(NUMBER OF TIMES BEHAVIOR IS ENDORSED IS GREATER THAN NUMBER OF TIMES
RESPONDENT RECEIVED ALL OF THE MONEY THEY WERE PROMISED)

S1B1intro. PRIZE_INTRO
You indicated that you paid money to receive a prize, grant, inheritance, lottery winning, or sum of
money, but never got what you were promised. I would like to ask you a few additional questions
related to that experience. When answering these questions, please only think about 1, THE
MOST RECENT TIME you had> that experience.
S1B1. PRIZE_TYPE
Which ONE of the following BEST DESCRIBES the money or prize you were supposed to receive? Was it…
1=Winnings from a lottery?
2=Winnings from a sweepstakes, raffle, or promotion?
3=An unclaimed inheritance?
4=A grant or loan from the government?
5=A tax refund?
6=Or something else?
S1B1o. PRIZE_TYPE_SP
How would you best describe the money or prize you were supposed to receive?
________________________
S1B2. PRIZE_PAYFOR
Were you told that you would have to pay a deposit, taxes, or a fee in order to get the money or prize
you were supposed to receive?
1=YES
2=NO
S1B3. PRIZE_PAYTOTAL
How much money, altogether, did you give to this person or company?
Round to the nearest dollar.
If respondent is unsure, ask for an estimate.
$[___________]
S1B4. PRIZE_MONEYBACK
Did you get ANY of that money back, either on your own or after filing a claim or taking legal action?
1=YES
2=NO (skip to S1B6)

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S1B5. PRIZE_MONEYBACKTOTAL
How much money did you get back?
Round to the nearest dollar.
If respondent is unsure, ask for an estimate.
$[___________]
HARD EDIT CHECK PRIZE_MONEYBACK_CK; If S1B5>S1B3
The amount of money the respondent got back is greater than or equal to the amount of money they
gave.
S1B6. PRIZE_REPORTED
Still thinking about the same incident, did you report the incident to a law enforcement agency, such as
the local police, a sheriff, or a federal law enforcement agency?
1=YES (skip to S1B8)
2=NO
S1B7. PRIZE_NOTREPORTED
Why did you not report the incident to law enforcement?
PROBE: Any other reason?
Enter all that apply.
DIDN’T KNOW
1=DIDN’T KNOW I COULD (OR SHOULD) REPORT IT/WASN’T SURE IT WAS A CRIME
2=DIDN’T KNOW HOW TO CONTACT THEM
3=DIDN’T KNOW WHO TO CONTACT
NOT IMPORTANT ENOUGH
4=DIDN’T LOSE MUCH MONEY OR GOT MOST OF MONEY BACK
5=DIDN’T WANT TO BOTHER THE POLICE/DID NOT SEEM IMPORTANT ENOUGH
TOOK CARE OF IT MYSELF
6=TOOK CARE OF IT MYSELF
DIDN’T THINK POLICE COULD HELP
7=DIDN’T THINK IT WOULD DO ANY GOOD
8=FOUND OUT ABOUT THE INCIDENT TOO LATE
9=COULDN’T PROVIDE MUCH INFORMATION ABOUT THE OFFENDER
PERSONAL REASONS
10=DIDN’T WANT TO HAVE ANY CONTACT WITH THE POLICE
11=DIDN’T WANT TO GET OFFENDER IN TROUBLE
12=I WAS EMBARRASSED/ASHAMED
13=TOO INCONVENIENT/DIDN’T WANT TO TAKE THE TIME
OTHER
14=OTHER
S1B8. PRIZE_FAMILY
Did you tell or attempt to tell any of the following people or groups about the incident…?
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S1B8a. Family or friends?
1=YES
2=NO
S1B8b. PRIZE_LAWYER
A lawyer?
1=YES
2=NO
S1B8c. PRIZE_BANK
Bank or credit card company?
1=YES
2=NO
S1B8d. PRIZE_CUSTSERVICE
Company’s customer service?
1=YES
2=NO
S1B8e. PRIZE_FTC
Federal Trade Commission (FTC)?
1=YES
2=NO
S1B8f. PRIZE_CFPB
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)?
1=YES
2=NO
S1B8g. PRIZE_BBB
Better Business Bureau (BBB)?
1=YES
2=NO
S1B8h. PRIZE_IC3
Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)?
1=YES
2=NO
S1B8i. PRIZE_ATTORNEY
State Attorney General Office?
1=YES
2=NO
S1B8j. PRIZE_ELSE
Someone else?
1=YES (ask S1B8jo)
2=NO (skip to S1B8k)
S1B8jo. PRIZE_ELSE_SP
Who else did you tell about the incident? ______________
S1B8k. PRIZE_NOTREPORTEDAGENCY
[If S1B8e=NO and S1B8f=NO and S1B8g=NO and S1B8h=NO and S1B8i=NO]
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Why did you not report this incident to a consumer protection agency? Consumer protection agencies
include the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), Better
Business Bureau (BBB), Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), and State Attorneys General Office.
PROBE: Any other reason?
Enter all that apply.
DIDN’T KNOW
1=DIDN’T KNOW I COULD (OR SHOULD) REPORT IT/WASN’T SURE IT WAS A CRIME
2=DIDN’T KNOW HOW TO CONTACT THEM
3=DIDN’T KNOW WHO TO CONTACT
NOT IMPORTANT ENOUGH
4=DIDN’T LOSE MUCH MONEY OR GOT MOST OF MONEY BACK
5=DIDN’T WANT TO BOTHER THE ORGANIZATION/DID NOT SEEM IMPORTANT ENOUGH
TOOK CARE OF IT MYSELF
6=TOOK CARE OF IT MYSELF
DIDN’T THINK THEY COULD HELP
7=DIDN’T THINK IT WOULD DO ANY GOOD
8=FOUND OUT ABOUT THE INCIDENT TOO LATE
9=COULDN’T PROVIDE MUCH INFORMATION ABOUT THE OFFENDER
PERSONAL REASONS
10=DIDN’T WANT TO GET OFFENDER IN TROUBLE
11=I WAS EMBARRASSED/ASHAMED
12=TOO INCONVENIENT/DIDN’T WANT TO TAKE THE TIME
OTHER
13=OTHER

S1B9. PRIZE_DISTRESS
The type of incident you’ve described can impact people in different ways. These questions are about
how the incident made you feel and how it impacted you financially.
Still thinking about the same incident, how distressing was it? Would you say it was…
1=Not at all distressing,
2=Mildly distressing,
3=Moderately distressing, or
4=Severely distressing?
S1B10. PRIZE_IMPACTJOB
Did the incident lead you to have significant problems with your job or schoolwork, or trouble with your
boss, coworkers, or peers?
1=YES
2=NO
S1B11. PRIZE_IMPACTFAMILY

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Did this same incident lead you to have significant problems with family members or friends, including
getting into more arguments or fights than you did before, not feeling you could trust them as much, or
not feeling as close to them as you did before?
1=YES
2=NO
S1B12. PRIZE_PAYBILLS
AS A DIRECT RESULT OF THIS INCIDENT, how difficult is it for you to meet your monthly expenses or pay
your bills? Would you say…
1=Not at all difficult,
2=A little difficult,
3=Pretty difficult, or
4=Very difficult?
S1B13. PRIZE_VICTIM
Thinking about the same incident, do you think you were a victim of fraud?
1=YES
2=NO
3=DON’T KNOW
S1B14. PRIZE_SUMMARY
In your own words, please briefly describe the same incident we have been talking about.

Phantom debt collection fraud – incident form
RESPONDENT RECEIVES THIS INCIDENT FORM IF THEY SCREEN IN AS A PHANTOM DEBT COLLECTION
FRAUD VICTIM BY REPORTING –
•

S2=1 (DEBT=1) (ENDORSED BEHAVIOR)

S2B1intro. DEBT_INTRO
You indicated that you paid money to settle or pay off a debt but found out you were being tricked or
lied to. I would like to ask you a few additional questions related to that experience. When answering
these questions, please only think about 1, THE MOST RECENT TIME you had> that experience.

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S2B1. DEBT_TYPE
Which ONE of the following BEST DESCRIBES the type of debt you were told you owed? Was it debt due
to…
1=Unpaid taxes?
2=An unpaid loan?
3=An unpaid fine or ticket?
4=Credit card charges?
5=Health care or medical care services?
6=Or something else? (ask S2b1o)
S2B1o. DEBT_TYPE_SP
How would you describe the type of debt you were told you owed? ________________
S2B2. DEBT_PAYTOTAL
How much money, altogether, did you give to this person or company?
Round to the nearest dollar.
If respondent is unsure, ask for an estimate.
$[___________]
S2B3. DEBT_MONEYBACK
Did you get ANY of that money back, either on your own or after filing a claim or taking legal action?
1=YES
2=NO (skip to S2B5)
S2B4. DEBT_MONEYBACKTOTAL
How much money did you get back?
Round to the nearest dollar.
If respondent is unsure, ask for an estimate.
$[___________]
HARD EDIT CHECK DEBT_MONEYBACK_CK; If S2B4>S2B2
The amount of money the respondent got back is greater than or equal to the amount of money they
gave.
S2B5. DEBT_REPORTED
Still thinking about the same incident, did you report the incident to a law enforcement agency, such as
the local police, a sheriff or a federal law enforcement agency?
1=YES (skip to S2B7)
2=NO
S2B6. DEBT_NOTREPORTED
Why did you not report the incident to law enforcement?
PROBE: Any other reason?
Enter all that apply.
DIDN’T KNOW
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1=DIDN’T KNOW I COULD (OR SHOULD) REPORT IT/WASN’T SURE IT WAS A CRIME
2=DIDN’T KNOW HOW TO CONTACT THEM
3=DIDN’T KNOW WHO TO CONTACT
NOT IMPORTANT ENOUGH
4=DIDN’T LOSE MUCH MONEY OR GOT MOST OF MONEY BACK
5=DIDN’T WANT TO BOTHER THE POLICE/DID NOT SEEM IMPORTANT ENOUGH
TOOK CARE OF IT MYSELF
6=TOOK CARE OF IT MYSELF
DIDN’T THINK POLICE COULD HELP
7=DIDN’T THINK IT WOULD DO ANY GOOD
8=FOUND OUT ABOUT THE INCIDENT TOO LATE
9=COULDN’T PROVIDE MUCH INFORMATION ABOUT THE OFFENDER
PERSONAL REASONS
10=DIDN’T WANT TO HAVE ANY CONTACT WITH THE POLICE
11=DIDN’T WANT TO GET OFFENDER IN TROUBLE
12=I WAS EMBARRASSED/ASHAMED
13=TOO INCONVENIENT/DIDN’T WANT TO TAKE THE TIME
OTHER
14=OTHER
S2B7. DEBT_FAMILY
Did you tell or attempt to tell any of the following people or groups about the incident…?
S2B7a. Family or friends?
1=YES
2=NO
S2B7b. DEBT_LAWYER
A lawyer?
1=YES
2=NO
S2B7c. DEBT_BANK
Bank or credit card company?
1=YES
2=NO
S2B7d. DEBT_CUSTSERVICE
Company’s customer service?
1=YES
2=NO
S2B7e. DEBT_FTC
Federal Trade Commission (FTC)?
1=YES
2=NO
S2B7f. DEBT_CFPB
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)?
1=YES
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2=NO
S2B7g. DEBT_BBB
Better Business Bureau (BBB)?
1=YES
2=NO
S2B7h. DEBT_IC3
Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)?
1=YES
2=NO
S2B7i. DEBT_ATTORNEY
State Attorney General Office?
1=YES
2=NO
S2B7j. DEBT_IRS
Internal Revenue Service (IRS)?
1=YES
2=NO
S2B7k. DEBT_ELSE
Someone else?
1=YES (ask S2B7ko)
2=NO
S2B7ko. DEBT_ELSE_SP
Who else did you tell about the incident? ______________
S2B7l. DEBT_NOTREPORTEDAGENCY
[If S2B7e=NO and S2B7f=NO and S2B7g=NO and S2B7h=NO and S2B7i=NO and S2B7j=NO]
Why did you not report this incident to a consumer protection agency? Consumer protection agencies
include the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), Better
Business Bureau (BBB), Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), State Attorneys General Office, and the
Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
PROBE: Any other reason?
Enter all that apply.
DIDN’T KNOW
1=DIDN’T KNOW I COULD (OR SHOULD) REPORT IT/WASN’T SURE IT WAS A CRIME
2=DIDN’T KNOW HOW TO CONTACT THEM
3=DIDN’T KNOW WHO TO CONTACT
NOT IMPORTANT ENOUGH
4=DIDN’T LOSE MUCH MONEY OR GOT MOST OF MONEY BACK
5=DIDN’T WANT TO BOTHER THE ORGANIZATION/DID NOT SEEM IMPORTANT ENOUGH
TOOK CARE OF IT MYSELF
6=TOOK CARE OF IT MYSELF
DIDN’T THINK THEY COULD HELP
7=DIDN’T THINK IT WOULD DO ANY GOOD
8=FOUND OUT ABOUT THE INCIDENT TOO LATE
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9=COULDN’T PROVIDE MUCH INFORMATION ABOUT THE OFFENDER
PERSONAL REASONS
10=DIDN’T WANT TO GET OFFENDER IN TROUBLE
11=I WAS EMBARRASSED/ASHAMED
12=TOO INCONVENIENT/DIDN’T WANT TO TAKE THE TIME
OTHER
13=OTHER
S2B8. DEBT_DISTRESS
The type of incident you’ve described can impact people in different ways. These questions are about
how the incident made you feel and how it impacted you financially.
Still thinking about the same incident, how distressing was it? Would you say it was…
1=Not at all distressing,
2=Mildly distressing,
3=Moderately distressing, or
4=Severely distressing?
S2B9. DEBT_IMPACTJOB
Did the incident lead you to have significant problems with your job or schoolwork, or trouble with your
boss, coworkers, or peers?
1=YES
2=NO
S2B10. DEBT_IMPACTFAMILY
Did this same incident lead you to have significant problems with family members or friends, including
getting into more arguments or fights than you did before, not feeling you could trust them as much, or
not feeling as close to them as you did before?
1=YES
2=NO
S2B11. DEBT_PAYBILLS
AS A DIRECT RESULT OF THIS INCIDENT, how difficult is it for you to meet your monthly expenses or pay
your bills? Would you say…
1=Not at all difficult,
2=A little difficult,
3=Pretty difficult, or
4=Very difficult?
S2B12. DEBT_VICTIM
Thinking about the same incident, do you think you were a victim of fraud?
1=YES
2=NO
3=DON’T KNOW

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S2B13. DEBT_SUMMARY
In your own words, please briefly describe the same incident we have been talking about.

Charity fraud – incident form
RESPONDENT RECEIVES THIS INCIDENT FORM IF THEY SCREEN IN AS A CHARITY FRAUD VICTIM BY
REPORTING –
•

S3=1 (CHARITY=1) (ENDORSED BEHAVIOR)

S3B1intro. CHARITY_INTRO
You indicated that you donated money to a charity or a charitable cause that later turned out to be fake
or you later suspected was fake. I would like to ask you a few additional questions related to that
experience. When answering these questions, please only think about 1, THE MOST RECENT
TIME you had> that experience.
S3B1. CHARITY_ORGANIZATION
Was the donation supposed to be going to an organization?
1=YES
2=NO
3=DON’T KNOW
S3B2. CHARITY_CROWDFUNDING
Did you make this donation through a crowdfunding website like GoFundMe or Kickstarter?
If further clarification is needed, read: Crowdfunding is the practice of collecting online contributions
from a large number of people to fund a project or cause.
1=YES
2=NO
3=DON’T KNOW
S3B3. CHARITY_PAYTOTAL
How much money, altogether, did you give to this person or company?
Round to the nearest dollar.
If respondent is unsure, ask for an estimate.
$[____________]
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S3B4. CHARITY_MONEYBACK
Did you get ANY of that money back, either on your own or after filing a claim or taking legal action?
1=YES
2=NO (skip to S3B6)
S3B5. CHARITY_MONEYBACKTOTAL
How much money did you get back?
Round to the nearest dollar.
If respondent is unsure, ask for an estimate.
$[___________]
HARD EDIT CHECK CHARITY_MONEYBACK_CK; If S3B5>S3B3
The amount of money the respondent got back is greater than or equal to the amount of money they
gave.
S3B6. CHARITY_REPORTED
Still thinking about the same incident, did you report the incident to a law enforcement agency, such as
the local police, a sheriff or a federal law enforcement agency?
1=YES (skip to S3B8)
2=NO
S3B7. CHARITY_NOTREPORTED
Why did you not report the incident to law enforcement?
PROBE: Any other reason?
Enter all that apply.
DIDN’T KNOW
1=DIDN’T KNOW I COULD (OR SHOULD) REPORT IT/WASN’T SURE IT WAS A CRIME
2=DIDN’T KNOW HOW TO CONTACT THEM
3=DIDN’T KNOW WHO TO CONTACT
NOT IMPORTANT ENOUGH
4=DIDN’T LOSE MUCH MONEY OR GOT MOST OF MONEY BACK
5=DIDN’T WANT TO BOTHER THE POLICE/DID NOT SEEM IMPORTANT ENOUGH
TOOK CARE OF IT MYSELF
6=TOOK CARE OF IT MYSELF
DIDN’T THINK POLICE COULD HELP
7=DIDN’T THINK IT WOULD DO ANY GOOD
8=FOUND OUT ABOUT THE INCIDENT TOO LATE
9=COULDN’T PROVIDE MUCH INFORMATION ABOUT THE OFFENDER
PERSONAL REASONS
10=DIDN’T WANT TO HAVE ANY CONTACT WITH THE POLICE
11=DIDN’T WANT TO GET OFFENDER IN TROUBLE
12=I WAS EMBARRASSED/ASHAMED
13=TOO INCONVENIENT/DIDN’T WANT TO TAKE THE TIME
OTHER
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14=OTHER
S3B8. CHARITY_FAMILY
Did you tell or attempt to tell any of the following people or groups about the incident…?
S3B8a. Family or friends?
1=YES
2=NO
S3B8b. CHARITY_LAWYER
A lawyer?
1=YES
2=NO
S3B8c. CHARITY_BANK
Bank or credit card company?
1=YES
2=NO
S3B8d. CHARITY_CUSTSERVICE
Company’s customer service?
1=YES
2=NO
S3B8e. CHARITY_FTC
Federal Trade Commission (FTC)?
1=YES
2=NO
S3B8f. CHARITY_CFPB
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)?
1=YES
2=NO
S3B8g. CHARITY_BBB
Better Business Bureau (BBB)?
1=YES
2=NO
S3B8h. CHARITY_IC3
Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)?
1=YES
2=NO
S3B8i. CHARITY_ATTORNEY
State Attorney General Office?
1=YES
2=NO
S3B8j. CHARITY_ELSE
Someone else?
1=YES (ask S3B8jo)
2=NO
S3B8jo. CHARITY_ELSE_SP
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Who else did you tell about the incident? ______________
S3B8k. CHARITY_NOTREPORTEDAGENCY
[If S3B8e=NO and S3B8f=NO and S3B8g=NO and S3B8h=NO and S3B8i=NO]
Why did you not report this incident to a consumer protection agency? Consumer protection agencies
include the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), Better
Business Bureau (BBB), Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), and State Attorneys General Office.
PROBE: Any other reason?
Enter all that apply.
DIDN’T KNOW
1=DIDN’T KNOW I COULD (OR SHOULD) REPORT IT/WASN’T SURE IT WAS A CRIME
2=DIDN’T KNOW HOW TO CONTACT THEM
3=DIDN’T KNOW WHO TO CONTACT
NOT IMPORTANT ENOUGH
4=DIDN’T LOSE MUCH MONEY OR GOT MOST OF MONEY BACK
5=DIDN’T WANT TO BOTHER THE ORGANIZATION/DID NOT SEEM IMPORTANT ENOUGH
TOOK CARE OF IT MYSELF
6=TOOK CARE OF IT MYSELF
DIDN’T THINK THEY COULD HELP
7=DIDN’T THINK IT WOULD DO ANY GOOD
8=FOUND OUT ABOUT THE INCIDENT TOO LATE
9=COULDN’T PROVIDE MUCH INFORMATION ABOUT THE OFFENDER
PERSONAL REASONS
10=DIDN’T WANT TO GET OFFENDER IN TROUBLE
11=I WAS EMBARRASSED/ASHAMED
12=TOO INCONVENIENT/DIDN’T WANT TO TAKE THE TIME
OTHER
13=OTHER
S3B9. CHARITY_DISTRESS
The type of incident you’ve described can impact people in different ways. These questions are about
how the incident made you feel and how it impacted you financially.
Still thinking about the same incident, how distressing was it? Would you say it was…
1=Not at all distressing,
2=Mildly distressing,
3=Moderately distressing, or
4=Severely distressing?
S3B10. CHARITY_IMPACTJOB
Did the incident lead you to have significant problems with your job or schoolwork, or trouble with your
boss, coworkers, or peers?
1=YES
2=NO

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S3B11. CHARITY_IMPACTFAMILY
Did this same incident lead you to have significant problems with family members or friends, including
getting into more arguments or fights than you did before, not feeling you could trust them as much, or
not feeling as close to them as you did before?
1=YES
2=NO
S3B12. CHARITY_PAYBILLS
AS A DIRECT RESULT OF THIS INCIDENT, how difficult is it for you to meet your monthly expenses or pay
your bills? Would you say…
1=Not at all difficult,
2=A little difficult,
3=Pretty difficult, or
4=Very difficult?
S3B13. CHARITY_VICTIM
Thinking about the same incident, do you think you were a victim of fraud?
1=YES
2=NO
3=DON’T KNOW
S3B14. CHARITY_SUMMARY
In your own words, please briefly describe the same incident we have been talking about.

Employment fraud – incident form
RESPONDENT RECEIVES THIS INCIDENT FORM IF THEY SCREEN IN AS AN EMPLOYMENT FRAUD VICTIM
BY REPORTING –
•
•
•
•
•

S4c=2 (JOB_FRAUD_TRY=2) (DID NOT TRY TO GET MONEY BACK, SINGLE INC REPORTED) or
S4c1=2 (JOB_FRAUD_TRYMULT=2) (DID NOT TRY TO GET MONEY BACK, MULTIPLE INCS
REPORTED) or
S4d=2, 3 (JOB_FRAUD_CHANCE=2, 3) (NOT A CHANCE OR DON’T KNOW IF RESP WILL GET THEIR
MONEY BACK, SINGLE INC REPORTED) or
S4d1=2,3 (JOB_FRAUD_CHANCEMULT=2, 3) (NOT A CHANCE OR DON’T KNOW IF RESP WILL GET
THEIR MONEY BACK, MULTIPLE INCS REPORTED) or
S4c2>S4d2 (JOB_FRAUD_TRY_NUM>JOB_FRAUD_CHANCE_NUM) (NUMBER OF INCS WHERE
RESP THINKS THERE IS A CHANCE THEY WILL GET THEIR MONEY BACK IS LESS THAN THE
NUMBER OF INCS WHERE RESP TRIED TO GET IT MONEY BACK)
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S4B1intro. JOB_FRAUD_INTRO
You indicated that you paid money to get a job or get into a business opportunity but were tricked or
lied to about how the money would be used or what you would receive in return. I would like to ask you
a few additional questions related to that experience. When answering these questions, please only
think about

1, fill the MOST RECENT TIME you tried to get your money back and there is no chance or
you don’t know if there is a chance you will get it back.>
S4B1. JOB_FRAUD_OWNBUSINESS
Did the money you lost go to someone who…
Was supposed to be helping you start your own business?
1=YES
2=NO
S4B2. JOB_FRAUD_HOME
(Did the money you lost go to someone who…)
Promised to help you make money while you worked from home?
1=YES
2=NO
S4B3. JOB_FRAUD_GOV
(Did the money you lost go to someone who…)
Promised to help you get a government job?
1=YES
2=NO
S4B4. JOB_FRAUD_PAYTOTAL
How much money, altogether, did you give to this person or company?
Round to the nearest dollar.
If respondent is unsure, ask for an estimate.
$[___________]
S4B5. JOB_FRAUD_MONEYBACK
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Did you get ANY of that money back, either on your own or after filing a claim or taking legal action?
1=YES
2=NO (skip to S4B7)
S4B6. JOB_FRAUD_MONEYBACKTOTAL
How much money did you get back?
Round to the nearest dollar.
If respondent is unsure, ask for an estimate.
$[___________]
HARD EDIT CHECK JOB_FRAUD_MONEYBACK_CK; If S4B6>S4B4
The amount of money the respondent got back is greater than or equal to the amount of money they
gave.
S4B7. JOB_FRAUD_REPORTED
Still thinking about the same incident, did you report the incident to a law enforcement agency, such as
the local police, a sheriff or a federal law enforcement agency?
1=YES (skip to S4B9)
2=NO
S4B8. JOB_FRAUD_NOTREPORTED
Why did you not report the incident to law enforcement?
PROBE: Any other reason?
Enter all that apply.
DIDN’T KNOW
1=DIDN’T KNOW I COULD (OR SHOULD) REPORT IT/WASN’T SURE IT WAS A CRIME
2=DIDN’T KNOW HOW TO CONTACT THEM
3=DIDN’T KNOW WHO TO CONTACT
NOT IMPORTANT ENOUGH
4=DIDN’T LOSE MUCH MONEY OR GOT MOST OF MONEY BACK
5=DIDN’T WANT TO BOTHER THE POLICE/DID NOT SEEM IMPORTANT ENOUGH
TOOK CARE OF IT MYSELF
6=TOOK CARE OF IT MYSELF
DIDN’T THINK POLICE COULD HELP
7=DIDN’T THINK IT WOULD DO ANY GOOD
8=FOUND OUT ABOUT THE INCIDENT TOO LATE
9=COULDN’T PROVIDE MUCH INFORMATION ABOUT THE OFFENDER
PERSONAL REASONS
10=DIDN’T WANT TO HAVE ANY CONTACT WITH THE POLICE
11=DIDN’T WANT TO GET OFFENDER IN TROUBLE
12=I WAS EMBARRASSED/ASHAMED
13=TOO INCONVENIENT/DIDN’T WANT TO TAKE THE TIME
OTHER
14=OTHER
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S4B9. JOB_FRAUD_FAMILY
Did you tell or attempt to tell any of the following people or groups about the incident…?
S4B9a. Family or friends?
1=YES
2=NO
S4B9b. JOB_FRAUD_LAWYER
A lawyer?
1=YES
2=NO
S4B9c. JOB_FRAUD_BANK
Bank or credit card company?
1=YES
2=NO
S4B9d. JOB_FRAUD_CUSTSERVICE
Company’s customer service?
1=YES
2=NO
S4B9e. JOB_FRAUD_FTC
Federal Trade Commission (FTC)?
1=YES
2=NO
S4B9f. JOB_FRAUD_CFPB
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)?
1=YES
2=NO
S4B9g. JOB_FRAUD_BBB
Better Business Bureau (BBB)?
1=YES
2=NO
S4B9h. JOB_FRAUD_IC3
Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)?
1=YES
2=NO
S4B9i. JOB_FRAUD_ATTORNEY
State Attorney General Office?
1=YES
2=NO
S4B9j. JOB_FRAUD_ELSE
Someone else?
1=YES (ask S4B9jo)
2=NO
S4B9jo. JOB_FRAUD_ELSE_SP
Who else did you tell about the incident? ______________
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S4B9k. JOB_FRAUD_NOTREPORTEDAGENCY
[If S4B9e=NO and S4B9f=NO and S4B9g=NO and S4B9h=NO and S4B9i=NO]
Why did you not report this incident to a consumer protection agency? Consumer protection agencies
include the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), Better
Business Bureau (BBB), Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), and State Attorneys General Office.
PROBE: Any other reason?
Enter all that apply.
DIDN’T KNOW
1=DIDN’T KNOW I COULD (OR SHOULD) REPORT IT/WASN’T SURE IT WAS A CRIME
2=DIDN’T KNOW HOW TO CONTACT THEM
3=DIDN’T KNOW WHO TO CONTACT
NOT IMPORTANT ENOUGH
4=DIDN’T LOSE MUCH MONEY OR GOT MOST OF MONEY BACK
5=DIDN’T WANT TO BOTHER THE ORGANIZATION/DID NOT SEEM IMPORTANT ENOUGH
TOOK CARE OF IT MYSELF
6=TOOK CARE OF IT MYSELF
DIDN’T THINK THEY COULD HELP
7=DIDN’T THINK IT WOULD DO ANY GOOD
8=FOUND OUT ABOUT THE INCIDENT TOO LATE
9=COULDN’T PROVIDE MUCH INFORMATION ABOUT THE OFFENDER
PERSONAL REASONS
10=DIDN’T WANT TO GET OFFENDER IN TROUBLE
11=I WAS EMBARRASSED/ASHAMED
12=TOO INCONVENIENT/DIDN’T WANT TO TAKE THE TIME
OTHER
13=OTHER
S4B10. JOB_FRAUD_DISTRESS The type of incident you’ve described can impact people in different
ways. These questions are about how the incident made you feel and how it impacted you financially.
Still thinking about the same incident, how distressing was it? Would you say it was…
1=Not at all distressing,
2=Mildly distressing,
3=Moderately distressing, or
4=Severely distressing?
S4B11. JOB_FRAUD_IMPACTJOB
Did the incident lead you to have significant problems with your job or schoolwork, or trouble with your
boss, coworkers, or peers?
1=YES
2=NO
S4B12. JOB_FRAUD_IMPACTFAMILY

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Did this same incident lead you to have significant problems with family members or friends, including
getting into more arguments or fights than you did before, not feeling you could trust them as much, or
not feeling as close to them as you did before?
1=YES
2=NO
S4B13. JOB_FRAUD_PAYBILLS
AS A DIRECT RESULT OF THIS INCIDENT, how difficult is it for you to meet your monthly expenses or pay
your bills? Would you say…
1=Not at all difficult,
2=A little difficult,
3=Pretty difficult, or
4=Very difficult?
S4B14. JOB_FRAUD_VICTIM
Thinking about the same incident, do you think you were a victim of fraud?
1=YES
2=NO
3=DON’T KNOW
S4B15. JOB_FRAUD_SUMMARY
In your own words, please briefly describe the same incident we have been talking about.

Consumer investment fraud – incident form
RESPONDENT RECEIVES THIS INCIDENT FORM IF THEY SCREEN IN AS A CONSUMER INVESTMENT FRAUD
VICTIM BY REPORTING –
•

S5c1=1 or S5cx>0 or S5c2>0 (INVEST_MADEUP=1 or INVEST_MADEUP_NUM>0 or
INVEST_MADEUP_NO_PS>0)
(RESPONDENT BELIEVES INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY WAS MADE UP)

S5B1intro. INVEST_INTRO
You indicated that you invested money with a person or company that tricked you or lied to you, and
you believe the investment was made up or your money was never invested at all. I would like to ask
you a few additional questions related to that experience. When answering these questions, please only
think about 1, the MOST RECENT TIME you had> that experience.
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S5B1. INVEST_TYPE
Which ONE of the following BEST DESCRIBES the type of investment you thought you were making?
Were you investing in…
1=A low valued stock, also called a ‘penny stock’?
2=Shares of a company prior to the company going public?
3=Real estate or a real estate investment trust?
4=A company that explores for new oil or gas?
5=An alternative energy company?
6=A government or corporate bond or promissory note?
7=A foreign currency?
8=Precious metals?
9=Other products that could be traded?
10=Or something else? (ask S5B1o)
S5B1o. INVEST_TYPE_SP
What were you investing in? ________________________
S5B2. INVEST_PAYTOTAL
How much money, altogether, did you give to this person or company?
Round to the nearest dollar.
If respondent is unsure, ask for an estimate.
$[___________]
S5B3. INVEST_MONEYBACK
Did you get ANY of that money back, either on your own or after filing a claim or taking legal action?
1=YES
2=NO (skip to S5B5)
S5B4. INVEST_MONEYBACKTOTAL
How much money did you get back?
Round to the nearest dollar.
If respondent is unsure, ask for an estimate.
$[___________]
HARD EDIT CHECK INVEST_MONEYBACK_CK; If S5B4>S5B2
The amount of money the respondent got back is greater than or equal to the amount of money they
gave.
S5B5. INVEST_REPORTED
Still thinking about the same incident, did you report the incident to a law enforcement agency, such as
the local police, a sheriff or a federal law enforcement agency?
1=YES (skip to S5B7)
2=NO
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S5B6. INVEST_NOTREPORTED
Why did you not report the incident to law enforcement?
PROBE: Any other reason?
Enter all that apply.
DIDN’T KNOW
1=DIDN’T KNOW I COULD (OR SHOULD) REPORT IT/WASN’T SURE IT WAS A CRIME
2=DIDN’T KNOW HOW TO CONTACT THEM
3=DIDN’T KNOW WHO TO CONTACT
NOT IMPORTANT ENOUGH
4=DIDN’T LOSE MUCH MONEY OR GOT MOST OF MONEY BACK
5=DIDN’T WANT TO BOTHER THE POLICE/DID NOT SEEM IMPORTANT ENOUGH
TOOK CARE OF IT MYSELF
6=TOOK CARE OF IT MYSELF
DIDN’T THINK POLICE COULD HELP
7=DIDN’T THINK IT WOULD DO ANY GOOD
8=FOUND OUT ABOUT THE INCIDENT TOO LATE
9=COULDN’T PROVIDE MUCH INFORMATION ABOUT THE OFFENDER
PERSONAL REASONS
10=DIDN’T WANT TO HAVE ANY CONTACT WITH THE POLICE
11=DIDN’T WANT TO GET OFFENDER IN TROUBLE
12=I WAS EMBARRASSED/ASHAMED
13=TOO INCONVENIENT/DIDN’T WANT TO TAKE THE TIME
OTHER
14=OTHER
S5B7. INVEST_FAMILY
Did you tell or attempt to tell any of the following people or groups about the incident…?
S5B7a. Family or friends?
1=YES
2=NO
S5B7b. INVEST_LAWYER
A lawyer?
1=YES
2=NO
S5B7c. INVEST_BANK
Bank or credit card company?
1=YES
2=NO
S5B7d. INVEST_CUSTSERVICE
Company’s customer service?
1=YES
2=NO
S5B7e. INVEST_FTC
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Federal Trade Commission (FTC)?
1=YES
2=NO
S5B7f. INVEST_CFPB
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)?
1=YES
2=NO
S5B7g. INVEST_BBB
Better Business Bureau (BBB)?
1=YES
2=NO
S5B7h. INVEST_IC3
Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)?
1=YES
2=NO
S5B7i. INVEST_FINRA
Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA)?
1=YES
2=NO
S5B7j. INVEST_SEC
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)?
1=YES
2=NO
S5B7k. INVEST_ELSE
Someone else?
1=YES (ask S5B7ko)
2=NO
S5B7ko. INVEST_ELSE_SP
Who else did you tell about the incident? ______________
S5B7l. INVEST_NOTREPORTEDAGENCY
[If S5B7e=NO and S5B7f=NO and S5B7g=NO and S5B7h=NO and S5B7i=NO and S5B7j=NO]
Why did you not report this incident to a consumer protection agency? Consumer protection agencies
include the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), Better
Business Bureau (BBB), Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), Financial Industry Regulatory Authority
(FINRA), and Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
PROBE: Any other reason?
Enter all that apply.
DIDN’T KNOW
1=DIDN’T KNOW I COULD (OR SHOULD) REPORT IT/WASN’T SURE IT WAS A CRIME
2=DIDN’T KNOW HOW TO CONTACT THEM
3=DIDN’T KNOW WHO TO CONTACT
NOT IMPORTANT ENOUGH
4=DIDN’T LOSE MUCH MONEY OR GOT MOST OF MONEY BACK
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5=DIDN’T WANT TO BOTHER THE ORGANIZATION/DID NOT SEEM IMPORTANT ENOUGH
TOOK CARE OF IT MYSELF
6=TOOK CARE OF IT MYSELF
DIDN’T THINK THEY COULD HELP
7=DIDN’T THINK IT WOULD DO ANY GOOD
8=FOUND OUT ABOUT THE INCIDENT TOO LATE
9=COULDN’T PROVIDE MUCH INFORMATION ABOUT THE OFFENDER
PERSONAL REASONS
10=DIDN’T WANT TO GET OFFENDER IN TROUBLE
11=I WAS EMBARRASSED/ASHAMED
12=TOO INCONVENIENT/DIDN’T WANT TO TAKE THE TIME
OTHER
13=OTHER
S5B8. INVEST_DISTRESS
The type of incident you’ve described can impact people in different ways. These questions are about
how the incident made you feel and how it impacted you financially.
Still thinking about the same incident, how distressing was it? Would you say it was…
1=Not at all distressing,
2=Mildly distressing,
3=Moderately distressing, or
4=Severely distressing?
S5B9. INVEST_IMPACTJOB
Did the incident lead you to have significant problems with your job or schoolwork, or trouble with your
boss, coworkers, or peers?
1=YES
2=NO
S5B10. INVEST_IMPACTFAMILY
Did this same incident lead you to have significant problems with family members or friends, including
getting into more arguments or fights than you did before, not feeling you could trust them as much, or
not feeling as close to them as you did before?
1=YES
2=NO
S5B11. INVEST_PAYBILLS
AS A DIRECT RESULT OF THE INCIDENT, how difficult is it for you to meet your monthly expenses or pay
your bills? Would you say…
1=Not at all difficult,
2=A little difficult,
3=Pretty difficult, or
4=Very difficult?

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S5B12. INVEST_VICTIM
Thinking about the same incident, do you think you were a victim of fraud?
1=YES
2=NO
3=DON’T KNOW
S5B13. INVEST_SUMMARY
In your own words, please briefly describe the same incident we have been talking about.

Consumer products or services fraud (excluding unauthorized billing) – incident form
RESPONDENT RECEIVES THIS INCIDENT FORM IF THEY SCREEN IN AS A CONSUMER PRODUCTS OR
SERVICES FRAUD VICTIM BY REPORTING –
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S6d=2, 3 (PROD_SERV_CHANCE=2, 3) (NOT A CHANCE OR DON’T KNOW IF RESPONDENT WILL
GET THEIR MONEY BACK, SINGLE INC REPORTED) or
S6d1=2, 3 (PROD_SERV_CHANCEMULT=2, 3) (NOT A CHANCE OR DON’T KNOW IF RESPONDENT
WILL GET THEIR MONEY BACK, MULTIPLE INCS REPORTED) or
S6c2>S6d2 (PROD_SERV_TRY_NUM>PROD_SERV_CHANCE_NUM) (NUMBER OF INCS WHERE
RESP THINKS THERE IS A CHANCE THEY WILL GET THEIR MONEY BACK IS LESS THAN THE
NUMBER OF INCS WHERE THE RESP TRIED TO GET IT BACK)

S6B1intro. PRODUCT_SERVICE_INTRO
You indicated that you paid for a product or service that you never received or turned out to be a scam. I
would like to ask you a few additional questions related to that experience. When answering these
questions, please only think about

1, fill the MOST RECENT TIME you tried to get your money back and there is no chance or
you don’t know if there is a chance that you will get your money back.>
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S6B2. PRODUCT_OR_SERVICE
Would you say you were trying to purchase a PRODUCT or a SERVICE?
1=PRODUCT
2=SERVICE (skip to S6B5)
3=DON'T KNOW (skip to S6B6)
S6B3. PRODUCT_TYPE
Which ONE of the following BEST DESCRIBES the type of product you were trying to purchase? Was it…
1=A weight loss or health product or supplement?
2=Clothing or accessories?
3=A collectible or some type of memorabilia?
4=Electronics or computer software?
5=Gemstones or precious metals?
6=Automobile parts?
7=Or something else? (ask S6b3o)
S6b3o. PRODUCT_TYPE_SP
What type of product were you trying to purchase? _______________________
S6B4. PRODUCT_RECEIVED
Regardless of whether it was worthless or a scam, did you receive an actual product?
1=YES
2=NO
3=DON'T KNOW
(skip to S6B6)
S6B5. SERVICE_TYPE
Which ONE of the following BEST DESCRIBES the type of service you were trying to purchase? Was it…
1=An insurance service?
2=Computer virus removal or repair services?
3=Home or vehicle repair services?
4=Internet or phone services?
5=Website hosting or web domain services?
6=A service to prevent losses from fraud or identity theft?
7=A service to help you manage or pay off a debt?
8=A service to remove negative information from your credit report?
9=A home, apartment, or vacation rental service?
10=A service to help grow your business?
11=An adoption service?
12=Or something else? (ask S6B5o)
S6B5o. SERVICE_TYPE_SP
What type of service were you trying to purchase?____________________
S6b5a. SERVICE_RECEIVED
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Regardless of whether it was worthless or a scam, did you receive this service?
1=YES
2=NO
3=DON’T KNOW
S6B6. PROD_SERV_PAYTOTAL
How much money, altogether, did you give to this person or company?
Round to the nearest dollar.
If respondent is unsure, ask for an estimate.
$[___________]
S6B7. PROD_SERV_MONEYBACK
Did you get ANY of that money back, either on your own or after filing a claim or taking legal action?
1=YES
2=NO (skip to S6B9)
S6B8. PROD_SERV_MONEYBACKTOTAL
How much money did you get back?
Round to the nearest dollar.
If respondent is unsure, ask for an estimate.
$[___________]
HARD EDIT CHECK PROD_SERV_MONEYBACK_CK; If S6B8>S6B6
The amount of money the respondent got back is greater than or equal to the amount of money they
gave.
S6B9. PROD_SERV_REPORTED
Still thinking about the same incident, did you report the incident to a law enforcement agency, such as
the local police, a sheriff or a federal law enforcement agency?
1=YES (skip to S6B11)
2=NO
S6B10. PROD_SERV_NOTREPORTED
Why did you not report the incident to law enforcement?
PROBE: Any other reason?
Enter all that apply.
DIDN’T KNOW
1=DIDN’T KNOW I COULD (OR SHOULD) REPORT IT/WASN’T SURE IT WAS A CRIME
2=DIDN’T KNOW HOW TO CONTACT THEM
3=DIDN’T KNOW WHO TO CONTACT
NOT IMPORTANT ENOUGH
4=DIDN’T LOSE MUCH MONEY OR GOT MOST OF MONEY BACK
5=DIDN’T WANT TO BOTHER THE POLICE/DID NOT SEEM IMPORTANT ENOUGH
TOOK CARE OF IT MYSELF
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6=TOOK CARE OF IT MYSELF
DIDN’T THINK POLICE COULD HELP
7=DIDN’T THINK IT WOULD DO ANY GOOD
8=FOUND OUT ABOUT THE INCIDENT TOO LATE
9=COULDN’T PROVIDE MUCH INFORMATION ABOUT THE OFFENDER
PERSONAL REASONS
10=DIDN’T WANT TO HAVE ANY CONTACT WITH THE POLICE
11=DIDN’T WANT TO GET OFFENDER IN TROUBLE
12=I WAS EMBARRASSED/ASHAMED
13=TOO INCONVENIENT/DIDN’T WANT TO TAKE THE TIME
OTHER
14=OTHER
S6B11. PROD_SERV_FAMILY
Did you tell or attempt to tell any of the following people or groups about the incident…?
S6B11a. Family or friends?
1=YES
2=NO
S6B11b. PROD_SERV_LAWYER
A lawyer?
1=YES
2=NO
S6B11c. PROD_SERV_BANK
Bank or credit card company?
1=YES
2=NO
S6B11d. PROD_SERV_CUSTSERVICE
Company’s customer service?
1=YES
2=NO
S6B11e. PROD_SERV_FTC
Federal Trade Commission (FTC)?
1=YES
2=NO
S6B11f. PROD_SERV_CFPB
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)?
1=YES
2=NO
S6B11g. PROD_SERV_BBB
Better Business Bureau (BBB)?
1=YES
2=NO
S6B11h. PROD_SERV_IC3
Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)?
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1=YES
2=NO
S6B11i. PROD_SERV_ATTORNEY
State Attorney General Office?
1=YES
2=NO
S6B11j. PROD_SERV_ELSE
Someone else?
1=YES (ask S6B11jo)
2=NO
S6B11jo. PROD_SERV_ELSE_SP
Who else did you tell about the incident? ______________
S6B11l. PROD_SERV_NOTREPORTEDAGENCY
[If S6B11e=NO and S6B11f=NO and S6B11g=NO and S6B11h=NO and S6B11i=NO]
Why did you not report this incident to a consumer protection agency? Consumer protection agencies
include the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), Better
Business Bureau (BBB), Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), and State Attorneys General Office.
PROBE: Any other reason?
Enter all that apply.
DIDN’T KNOW
1=DIDN’T KNOW I COULD (OR SHOULD) REPORT IT/WASN’T SURE IT WAS A CRIME
2=DIDN’T KNOW HOW TO CONTACT THEM
3=DIDN’T KNOW WHO TO CONTACT
NOT IMPORTANT ENOUGH
4=DIDN’T LOSE MUCH MONEY OR GOT MOST OF MONEY BACK
5=DIDN’T WANT TO BOTHER THE ORGANIZATION/DID NOT SEEM IMPORTANT ENOUGH
TOOK CARE OF IT MYSELF
6=TOOK CARE OF IT MYSELF
DIDN’T THINK THEY COULD HELP
7=DIDN’T THINK IT WOULD DO ANY GOOD
8=FOUND OUT ABOUT THE INCIDENT TOO LATE
9=COULDN’T PROVIDE MUCH INFORMATION ABOUT THE OFFENDER
PERSONAL REASONS
10=DIDN’T WANT TO GET OFFENDER IN TROUBLE
11=I WAS EMBARRASSED/ASHAMED
12=TOO INCONVENIENT/DIDN’T WANT TO TAKE THE TIME
OTHER
13=OTHER
S6B12. PROD_SERV_DISTRESS
The type of incident you’ve described can impact people in different ways. These questions are about
how the incident made you feel and how it impacted you financially.
Still thinking about the same incident, how distressing was it? Would you say it was…
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1=Not at all distressing,
2=Mildly distressing,
3=Moderately distressing, or
4=Severely distressing?
S6B13. PROD_SERV_IMPACTJOB
Did the incident lead you to have significant problems with your job or schoolwork, or trouble with your
boss, coworkers, or peers?
1=YES
2=NO
S6B14. PROD_SERV_IMPACTFAMILY
Did this same incident lead you to have significant problems with family members or friends, including
getting into more arguments or fights than you did before, not feeling you could trust them as much, or
not feeling as close to them as you did before?
1=YES
2=NO
S6B15. PROD_SERV_PAYBILLS
AS A DIRECT RESULT OF THIS INCIDENT, how difficult is it for you to meet your monthly expenses or pay
your bills? Would you say…
1=Not at all difficult,
2=A little difficult,
3=Pretty difficult, or
4=Very difficult?
S6B16. PROD_SERV_VICTIM
Thinking about the same incident, do you think you were a victim of fraud?
1=YES
2=NO
3=DON’T KNOW

S6B17. PROD_SERV_SUMMARY
In your own words, please briefly describe the same incident we have been talking about.

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Relationship/trust fraud – incident form
RESPONDENT RECEIVES THIS INCIDENT FORM IF THEY SCREEN IN AS A FRAUD VICTIM BY REPORTING –
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S7=1 (TRUST=1) (ENDORSED BEHAVIOR)

S7B1intro. TRUST_INTRO
You indicated that you donated, sent, or otherwise gave money to someone who pretended to be a
family member, friend, caregiver, or someone interested in you romantically, but that person was not
who they claimed to be. I would like to ask you a few additional questions related to that experience.
When answering these questions, please only think about 1, the MOST RECENT TIME you had>
that experience.
S7B1. TRUST_ROMANTIC
Was this person someone who seemed to have a romantic interest in you?
1=YES (skip to S7B3)
2=NO
S7B2. TRUST_FAMILYMEM
Did the person pretend to be a family member?
1=YES
2=NO
S7B3. TRUST_CONTACT
Which ONE of the following BEST DESCRIBES how you were first contacted by this person?
1=Through a chat room,
2=Through a dating app or website,
3=Through social media (Facebook, Twitter, YouTube),
4=Through another website,
5=In an email,
6=By a text message or phone call,
7=A mutual friend or someone claiming to be a mutual friend, or
8=Some other way?
S7B4. TRUST_PAYTOTAL
How much money, altogether, did you give to this person or company?
Round to the nearest dollar.
If respondent is unsure, ask for an estimate.
$[___________]
S7B5. TRUST_MONEYBACK
Did you get ANY of that money back, either on your own or after filing a claim or taking legal action?
1=YES
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2=NO (skip to S7B7)
S7B6. TRUST_MONEYBACKTOTAL
How much money did you get back?
Round to the nearest dollar.
If respondent is unsure, ask for an estimate.
$[___________]
HARD EDIT CHECK TRUST_MONEYBACK_CK; If S7B6>S7B4
The amount of money the respondent got back is greater than or equal to the amount of money they
gave.
S7B7. TRUST_REPORTED
Still thinking about the same incident, did you report the incident to a law enforcement agency, such as
the local police, a sheriff or a federal law enforcement agency?
1=YES (skip to S7B9)
2=NO
S7B8. TRUST_NOTREPORTED
Why did you not report the incident to law enforcement?
PROBE: Any other reason?
Enter all that apply.
DIDN’T KNOW
1=DIDN’T KNOW I COULD (OR SHOULD) REPORT IT/WASN’T SURE IT WAS A CRIME
2=DIDN’T KNOW HOW TO CONTACT THEM
3=DIDN’T KNOW WHO TO CONTACT
NOT IMPORTANT ENOUGH
4=DIDN’T LOSE MUCH MONEY OR GOT MOST OF MONEY BACK
5=DIDN’T WANT TO BOTHER THE POLICE/DID NOT SEEM IMPORTANT ENOUGH
TOOK CARE OF IT MYSELF
6=TOOK CARE OF IT MYSELF
DIDN’T THINK POLICE COULD HELP
7=DIDN’T THINK IT WOULD DO ANY GOOD
8=FOUND OUT ABOUT THE INCIDENT TOO LATE
9=COULDN’T PROVIDE MUCH INFORMATION ABOUT THE OFFENDER
PERSONAL REASONS
10=DIDN’T WANT TO HAVE ANY CONTACT WITH THE POLICE
11=DIDN’T WANT TO GET OFFENDER IN TROUBLE
12=I WAS EMBARRASSED/ASHAMED
13=TOO INCONVENIENT/DIDN’T WANT TO TAKE THE TIME
OTHER
14=OTHER
S7B9. TRUST_FAMILY
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Did you tell or attempt to tell any of the following people or groups about the incident…?
S7B9a. Family or friends?
1=YES
2=NO
S7B9b. TRUST_LAWYER
A lawyer?
1=YES
2=NO
S7B9c. TRUST_BANK
Bank or credit card company?
1=YES
2=NO
S7B9d. TRUST_FTC
Federal Trade Commission (FTC)?
1=YES
2=NO
S7B9e. TRUST_CFPB
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)?
1=YES
2=NO
S7B9f. TRUST_BBB
Better Business Bureau (BBB)?
1=YES
2=NO
S7B9g. TRUST_IC3
Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)?
1=YES
2=NO
S7B9h. TRUST_ATTORNEY
State Attorney General Office?
1=YES
2=NO
S7B9i. TRUST_ELSE
Someone else?
1=YES (ask S7B9io)
2=NO
S7B9io. TRUST_ELSE_SP
Who else did you tell about the incident? ______________
S7B9j. TRUST_NOTREPORTEDAGENCY
[If S7B9d=NO and S7B9e=NO and S7B9f=NO and S7B9g=NO and S7B9h=NO]
Why did you not report this incident to a consumer protection agency? Consumer protection agencies
include the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), Better
Business Bureau (BBB), Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), and State Attorneys General Office.
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PROBE: Any other reason?
Enter all that apply.
DIDN’T KNOW
1=DIDN’T KNOW I COULD (OR SHOULD) REPORT IT/WASN’T SURE IT WAS A CRIME
2=DIDN’T KNOW HOW TO CONTACT THEM
3=DIDN’T KNOW WHO TO CONTACT
NOT IMPORTANT ENOUGH
4=DIDN’T LOSE MUCH MONEY OR GOT MOST OF MONEY BACK
5=DIDN’T WANT TO BOTHER THE ORGANIZATION/DID NOT SEEM IMPORTANT ENOUGH
TOOK CARE OF IT MYSELF
6=TOOK CARE OF IT MYSELF
DIDN’T THINK THEY COULD HELP
7=DIDN’T THINK IT WOULD DO ANY GOOD
8=FOUND OUT ABOUT THE INCIDENT TOO LATE
9=COULDN’T PROVIDE MUCH INFORMATION ABOUT THE OFFENDER
PERSONAL REASONS
10=DIDN’T WANT TO GET OFFENDER IN TROUBLE
11=I WAS EMBARRASSED/ASHAMED
12=TOO INCONVENIENT/DIDN’T WANT TO TAKE THE TIME
OTHER
13=OTHER
S7B10. TRUST_DISTRESS
The type of incident you’ve described can impact people in different ways. These questions are about
how the incident made you feel and how it impacted you financially.
Still thinking about the same incident, how distressing was it? Would you say it was…
1=Not at all distressing,
2=Mildly distressing,
3=Moderately distressing, or
4=Severely distressing?
S7B11. TRUST_IMPACTJOB
Did the incident lead you to have significant problems with your job or schoolwork, or trouble with your
boss, coworkers, or peers?
1=YES
2=NO
S7B12. TRUST_IMPACTFAMILY
Did this same incident lead you to have significant problems with family members or friends, including
getting into more arguments or fights than you did before, not feeling you could trust them as much, or
not feeling as close to them as you did before?
1=YES
2=NO

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S7B13. TRUST_PAYBILLS
AS A DIRECT RESULT OF THIS INCIDENT, how difficult is it for you to meet your monthly expenses or pay
your bills? Would you say…
1=Not at all difficult,
2=A little difficult,
3=Pretty difficult, or
4=Very difficult?
S7B14. TRUST_VICTIM
Thinking about the same incident, do you think you were a victim of fraud?
1=YES
2=NO
3=DON’T KNOW
S7B15. TRUST_SUMMARY
In your own words, please briefly describe the same incident we have been talking about.

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