Separate sections of the report examine the nature of and prevention of counterfeiting, fraudulent card applications, card theft and loss, merchant collusive fraud, and card misuse. Regarding applications for credit cards, the report proposes the merging of data sets in the industry, even at the risk of reducing competition among fraud and "doubtful address" database suppliers. Card companies should also develop tighter controls over requests to redirect mail, including rechecking requests with customers. Regarding credit card and check theft, the police should continue crime pattern analysis to identify transient and false addresses. Awareness campaigns should be conducted to inform businesses and cardholders of the various risks and the nature of the frauds being perpetrated. Suggestions are also offered for preventing credit card and check misuse. Some policing changes to improve prevention measures are also recommended. 11 references, 3 tables, and a glossary