Las Vegas, NV -
March 04, 2016
The Office of Nevada Consumer
Affairs (NCA) is hosting a free Consumer Fraud Prevention Fair Wednesday, March
9 at the Grant Sawyer Building, 555 E. Washington Avenue. The event will
provide information and resources in the areas of consumer rights, how to avoid
becoming a victim of fraud and one-on-one assistance for consumers that have
already been victimized by fraud or deceptive business practices.
Approximately 20 government agencies and private organizations will staff
informational booths and two informative presentations are scheduled to
highlight common scams and fraud prevention tips.
NCA is hosting the Consumer Fraud
Prevention Fair as part of National Consumer Protection Week, a coordinated
campaign taking place March 6- 12 that encourages consumers nationwide to take
full advantage of their rights and make better-informed decisions.
Consumer Fraud Prevention Fair
schedule
:
9 a.m.- 4 p.m.- Resource fair
10 a.m.- Scam Alert! Presented by
the Office of the Nevada Attorney General
2 p.m.- Fraud Prevention Panel
Discussion, featuring:
Cris Carmona, Chief
Investigator, Nevada Consumer Affairs;
Wes Duncan 1st
Assistant Attorney General, Office of the Nevada Attorney General;
Michelle Johnson, CEO,
Financial Guidance Center
Lauren Davis, Esq.,
Attorney, Southern Nevada Senior Law Program
Organizations participating in the
resource fair include: Office of Nevada Consumer Affairs, Ombudsman of Consumer
Affairs for Minorities, Office of the Nevada Attorney General, Nevada
Contractors Board, Southern Nevada Senior Law Program, Legal Aid Center of
Southern Nevada, Nevada Division of Insurance, Nevada Real Estate Division,
Nevada Workers’ Compensation Section, Nevada Manufactured Housing Division,
Nevada Mortgage Lending Division, BBB Serving Southern Nevada, Nevada Labor
Commission, NV Senior Medical Patrol, Home Again, Public Utilities Commission
of Nevada, Office for Consumer Health Assistance, Clark County Recorder’s
Office and Financial Guidance Center.
NCA increasing outreach efforts to assist even more consumers
NCA investigates consumer
complaints pertaining to deceptive and fraudulent business practices.
Consumers that live in or visit Nevada can contact Nevada Consumer Affairs for
assistance in resolving issues of fraud or deceptive trade practices involving
Nevada-based businesses. Areas that NCA can investigate include, but are not
limited to: pyramid promotional schemes, sales promotions, telecommunications
services and door-to-door sales. The office will also provide referrals
for issues that fall within the jurisdiction of another agency or organization.
The office, which was funded during
the 2013 Legislative session with mortgage settlement agreement funds, recently
received additional funding to expand the scope of the office and hire
additional staff. In 2015, the office assisted approximately 1,465 consumers
and has resolved approximately 98% of those cases to date. Of the
complaints received and processed through a formal investigation, the office
was able to recover more than $45,000 for consumers where restitution was
ordered.
To assist even more consumers, NCA
has established a new statewide toll free number, 844-594-7275, and launched www.consumeraffairs.nv.gov. “
We
know that thousands of Nevadans are targeted by scams and fall prey to unfair
or fraudulent business practices every year
,” said Cris Carmona, NCA Chief
Investigator. “In addition to processing and resolving consumer complaints,
we are also are focused on educating consumers before they become
victims. But in the event that it does happen, we are here to help.”
Consumers are encouraged to visit
the website or contact the office for assistance at 702-486-2750 or via the
toll free number.
About Nevada Consumer Affairs
The mission of
Nevada Consumer Affairs, an office within the Department of Business and
Industry is to protect consumers- who live in, work in and visit Nevada- from
unfair and deceptive business practices, and to provide education to prevent
consumers from becoming victims of fraud. Consumers may file a complaint with
the office by submitting a complaint form available on consumeraffairs.nv.gov
or by calling (702) 486-2750.