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National Consumer Protection Week March 3-9 2013
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Scams & Fraud
National Consumer Protection Week March 3-9 2013
<font face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif" size="1"><div>Learn what are the lastest list of scams and how you can prevent your identity from being stolen. Protect yourself from scams, whether they be phone scams, online scams or in-person. </div></font>
From: "USA.gov Team" <subscriptions@subscriptions.usa.gov> We will host a National Consumer Protection Week Twitter chat on Wednesday, March 6 at 2 p.m. EST. Experts from USA.gov and the Federal
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Cat:827966ee-6d39-4ef7-98a5-0157a43092f8Forum:b90a5c24-5453-42fa-b1f5-851b8a98e4aaDiscussion:2424fd54-b681-44c2-9be1-bde4db25ef7e
Forums » Money » Scams & Fraud » National Consumer Protection Week March 3-9 2013
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National Consumer Protection Week March 3-9 2013
posted at March 4, 2013 2:25 PM EST
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Posts: 330
First: March 1, 2013 Last: April 23, 2013 |
From: "USA.gov Team" <subscriptions@subscriptions.usa.gov> We will host a National Consumer Protection Week Twitter chat on Wednesday, March 6 at 2 p.m. EST. Experts from USA.gov and the Federal Trade Commission will be on hand to answer your consumer-related questions and and provide government resources that can help. So whether you have questions about how to file a complaint with a company or how to learn about the latest scams, now is your chance to get answers. You can submit your questions on Twitter (@USAgov) using the hashtag #NCPW from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. EST next Wednesday, when experts will be available to answer them live. You can always ask questions by e-mail, web chat, or calling 1-800-FED-INFO (333-4636). National Consumer Protection Week runs from March 3-9 and encourages you to take full advantage of your consumer rights and make well-informed decisions in the marketplace. National Consumer Protection Week http://www.ncpw.gov/ USA.Gov on Twitter http://twitter.com/usagov Email with Answers.USA.Gov http://answers.usa.gov/system/selfservice.controller?CONFIGURATION=1000&PARTITION_ID=1&CMD=STARTPAGE&SUBCMD=EMAIL&USERTYPE=1&LANGUAGE=en&COUNTRY=us Web Chat with Answers.USA.Gov http://answers.usa.gov/system/selfservice.controller?CONFIGURATION=1000&PARTITION_ID=1&CMD=STARTPAGE&SUBCMD=CHAT&USERTYPE=1&LANGUAGE=en&COUNTRY=us 000. |
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Re: National Consumer Protection Week March 3-9 2013
posted at March 4, 2013 10:48 PM EST
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Posts: 330
First: March 1, 2013 Last: April 23, 2013 |
The Federal Bureau of Investigation placed an announcement for National Consumer Protection Week this morning on its main website page. http://www.fbi.gov/ A Message for National Consumer Protection Week: Be Crime Smart It’s that time of year again when consumers are advised to get educated on scams and frauds of all kinds—or as we say on FBI.gov, to “Be Crime Smart.” Getting informed and taking a few basic steps may well keep you from becoming a victim of crime and fraud. This website has a wealth of material to help you do just that...everything from information on protecting your kids, computer, and workplace to a list of types of fraud schemes and e-scams and even how to report this type of criminal activity. Please take the time to learn more about these topics so you can remain crime smart. Resources: - Scams & Safety http://www.fbi.gov/scams-safety - Frauds from A to Z http://www.fbi.gov/scams-safety/frauds-from-a-to-z - Common Fraud Schemes http://www.fbi.gov/scams-safety/fraud - E-Scams Warnings http://www.fbi.gov/scams-safety/e-scams - National Consumer Protection Week Website http://www.ncpw.gov/ 000. |
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Re: National Consumer Protection Week March 3-9 2013
posted at March 4, 2013 10:55 PM EST
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Posts: 330
First: March 1, 2013 Last: April 23, 2013 |
Presidential Proclamation -- National Consumer Protection Week, 2013 http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2013/03/01/presidential-proclamation-national-consumer-protection-week-2013 BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA A PROCLAMATION Over 4 years ago, widespread abuses in America's financial system nearly brought our economy to its knees. Millions saw their life savings erode, businesses shuttered their doors, and families were devastated by job loss and foreclosure. This crisis cast a harsh light on the breakdown in oversight that led to an epidemic of irresponsibility, and it highlighted the need for common-sense regulations to protect the vast majority of Americans from the reckless actions of a few. During National Consumer Protection Week, we remember those lessons, and we recognize that our shared prosperity depends on empowering all Americans to make sound decisions for themselves and their families. My Administration is ramping up consumer protection throughout the economy. Last year, we established a new unit to combat fraud and investigate the abusive lending and mortgage packaging that led to the housing crisis. We launched the "Know Before You Owe" campaign to help students and their parents make smart decisions about paying for college. We cracked down on unscrupulous lenders and credit card companies that charge hidden fees. And we did away with the practice of adding pages of misleading fine print to important financial agreements. We are also committed to helping consumers avoid scams, protect their personal information, and make good financial decisions. That is why agencies across the Federal Government joined with consumer advocates to launch http://www.ncpw.gov/ , an online resource that provides practical advice for managing finances and safeguarding against identity theft. As the driving force behind our economy, consumers deserve clear rules, fair treatment, and full disclosure. Whether opening credit cards, buying cars, applying for mortgages, or taking out student loans, all Americans should have access to complete, concise information. This week, we resolve to strengthen consumer rights and build a more transparent, efficient, effective marketplace. NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim March 3 through March 9, 2013, as National Consumer Protection Week. I call upon government officials, industry leaders, and advocates across the Nation to share information about consumer protection and provide our citizens with information about their rights as consumers. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of March, in the year of our Lord two thousand thirteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-seventh. BARACK OBAMA 000. |
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Re: National Consumer Protection Week March 3-9 2013
posted at March 4, 2013 11:07 PM EST
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Posts: 330
First: March 1, 2013 Last: April 23, 2013 |
Nation Consumer Protection Week http://www.consumerfinance.gov/blog/category/national-consumer-protection-week/ This blog post is part of a series for National Consumer Protection Week http://www.consumerfinance.gov/blog/category/national-consumer-protection-week/ When you buy something it’s hard to know if you’re getting the best deal – and that includes when military families, who are often targets for marketers, are making big financial decisions. Even though some companies might try to take advantage of people, there are things servicemembers can do to make sure they’re getting their money’s worth. Have you ever bought something online and clicked the box that says “accept” without having any idea of what you’re actually accepting? Or maybe you looked at the fine print but it didn’t make any sense. Or, you sit in an office with a salesperson who has a stack of paperwork for a product you’re financing. They give you a two-minute explanation of what it all means and ask if you have any questions. You say “no” because it’s embarrassing to say that you didn’t understand what they just said. And when they say “sign here” you do it. Congratulations! You’ve just bought an iPad for… $3,600?!! So, what can servicemembers do when they’re confused at signing time? Get help. If you can’t make heads or tails of a contract, take it to someone who can: your installation Personal Financial Manager or JAG. If the seller doesn’t want to give you a copy of the contract before you sign, that’s a red flag; so is pressure to sign it “right now, while the offer is still available!” Don’t be afraid to step away and say you want to take time to think the purchase over. You are the buyer and you should be in the driver’s seat in this transaction. You are under no obligation to please the seller; don’t cave even if they act like they are disappointed or disgusted that you won’t commit. Think about the total cost of what you’re buying, not just the monthly payment. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen servicemembers sign up for what seems to be an affordable monthly payment, and then realize they’re paying an outrageous total price for the item. The $3,600 iPad I mentioned above is a true story. So is the story of the servicemember who signed a contract to borrow $1,600 – at a cost of $15,000 in finance charges! If someone says they only accept payment by allotment, consider walking away. Under federal law, a business generally can’t require consumers to make payments by automatic electronic payment, but there’s an exception to this that leaves out military allotments. When you pay by allotment directly from DFAS (Defense Finance & Accounting Service), it may be convenient for your creditor, but it means you miss out on protections that you might have had if the money was deposited in your bank account and then paid out from there (like not being required to pay by automatic electronic payments). Never give someone access to or control over your financial accounts unless they are someone you trust completely and there is a compelling reason to do so (like a power of attorney when you are deployed). Many scams on servicemembers, veterans, and their families have started with giving a persuasive acquaintance or “advisor” access to their accounts. The term “buyer beware” goes all the way back to the Roman era: caveat emptor. Take a hint from Caesar and his legions and protect yourself from getting into a bad deal. But if you do feel that you’ve been scammed or treated unfairly, come see us at consumerfinance.gov/Servicemembers. We are here to help! Consumer Financial Protection Bureau http://consumerfinance.gov/Servicemembers Department of Justice. Servicemembers Information and Assistance. http://www.servicemembers.gov/ 000. |
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Re: National Consumer Protection Week March 3-9 2013
posted at March 4, 2013 11:11 PM EST
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Posts: 330
First: March 1, 2013 Last: April 23, 2013 |
National Consumer Protection Week: Six Tips to Make You a Smarter Shopper http://blog.usa.gov/post/44550440257/national-consumer-protection-week-six-tips-to-make-you 000. |
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Re: National Consumer Protection Week March 3-9 2013
posted at March 4, 2013 11:15 PM EST
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Posts: 330
First: March 1, 2013 Last: April 23, 2013 |
National Consumer Protection Week Begins March 4th, 2013 Posted by Tracy Russo http://blogs.justice.gov/main/archives/2668 000. |
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Re: National Consumer Protection Week March 3-9 2013
posted at March 4, 2013 11:18 PM EST
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Posts: 330
First: March 1, 2013 Last: April 23, 2013 |
Statement by HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius on National Consumer Protection Week http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2013pres/03/20130304b.html 000. |
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Re: National Consumer Protection Week March 3-9 2013
posted at March 5, 2013 4:06 AM EST
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Posts: 330
First: March 1, 2013 Last: April 23, 2013 |
This is National Consumer Protection Week! March 4, 2013 by Charles Harwood Acting Director, Bureau of Consumer Protection, FTC http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/national-consumer-protection-week National Consumer Protection Week begins today, and it’s the biggest and best NCPW in 15 years. Thanks to 64 federal, state and local agencies and nonprofits that are putting the spotlight on the critical consumer protection work they do year-round, consumers have easy access to a tremendous variety of timely, useful information about recognizing and reporting frauds and scams, managing credit and debt, using technology, and staying healthy and safe. NCPW.gov is more than a destination for consumer information; it’s also a source for outreach tools to share with your networks and communities – both virtual and in-person. Read the latest news and views from consumer protection experts on our blog; share videos, articles, audio tips, and blog posts; order free resources; or file a complaint. NCPW only lasts a week, but our website is live 24/7/365. We hope you’ll visit often to stay informed and involved. National Consumer Protection Week Website http://www.ncpw.gov/ Coordinated Campaign Members (includes AARP) http://www.ncpw.gov/about-us Outreach Tools http://www.ncpw.gov/content/get-involved Blog http://www.ncpw.gov/blog File a Complaint http://www.ncpw.gov/file-complaint 000. |
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Re: National Consumer Protection Week March 3-9 2013
posted at March 5, 2013 2:50 PM EST
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Posts: 330
First: March 1, 2013 Last: April 23, 2013 |
NCPW Consumer Topics http://www.ncpw.gov/consumer-topics These topics cover a broad range of avenues for fraud and scams. R |
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Re: National Consumer Protection Week March 3-9 2013
posted at March 7, 2013 5:59 PM EST
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Posts: 330
First: March 1, 2013 Last: April 23, 2013 |
HUD Marks National Consumer Protection Week http://www.ncpw.gov/blog/hud-marks-national-consumer-protection-week 000. |
Forums » Money » Scams & Fraud » National Consumer Protection Week March 3-9 2013
