The article contains data based on a national telephone survey involving a representative probability sample of 1,246 respondents aged 18 and older. The survey measured the incidence and prevalence of personal fraud victimization, the characteristics of the victims involved, and the impacts and effects of these offenses. The reactions of the victims and official agencies to the victimization experience were also addressed, as were implications for research and public education. The study raised, but could not explore, some issues, including: (1) why certain persons are more likely to be selected as targets of fraud; (2) why some persons are more effective in resisting attempts to defraud them; (3) how law enforcement and regulatory agencies can more proactively detect and respond to emerging fraud schemes with less reliance on reporting by victims; and (4) how the Criminal Justice System can develop and use more appropriate sanctions for deterring personal fraud. Tables, appendix, note, references