Fraud prevention and awareness events to be held in Reno and Las Vegas during National Consumer Protection Week

Las Vegas, NV February 19, 2019

Thousands of Nevadans each year fall prey to scams and fraudulent or deceptive business practices resulting in financial losses and time spent seeking to recover those losses. In 2018, Nevada Consumer Affairs (NCA), a unit within the Department of Business and Industry’s Directors Office, received 2,024 informational inquiries and complaints and recovered more than $305,000 in refunds and restitution for these consumers.

We know that only a small percentage of consumers that have been victimized by a scam or an unfair or fraudulent business contact our offices ,” said Cris Carmona, NCA Chief Investigator. “This problem is widespread and anyone could find themselves in this position. Our goal is to give consumers information and resources before they become a victim.  In the event it does happen, we are here to help.”

Education and awareness is the best line of defense against becoming a victim of fraud. NCA is hosting a free Consumer Fraud Prevention Fair in Carson City on March 4 at Reno Town Mall, 4001 S. Virginia Street and in Las Vegas on March 8 at the Nevada State Business Center, 3300 W. Sahara Avenue.

The fairs 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 need help resolving complaints involving fraud or a deceptive business practice.  Resource booths will be open throughout the day with exhibitors including AARP Nevada, Better Business Bureau, Federal Trade Commission, Nevada State Contractor’s Board, Office of the Nevada Attorney General, Senior Medicare Patrol and more. Admission is free and open to all members of the public.

Reno Town Mall, 4001 S. Virginia Street

Monday, March 4, 10:00 am- 3:00 pm

10:00 am- 3:00 pm- Resource Fair Booths Open

11:30 am- Fraud Prevention Panel* featuring:

            Cris Carmona, Chief Investigator, Nevada Consumer Affairs

            Whitney Digesti, Deputy Attorney General, Office of Nevada Attorney General

            Michelle Newman, Deputy Attorney General, Office of Nevada Attorney General

            Gail Anderson, Deputy Administrator, Nevada Secretary of State’s Office

            Kerry O’Brien, Assistant Regional Director, Federal Trade Commission

            Fred Schoenfeldt, Criminal/Compliance Supervisor, Nevada State Contractor’s Board

            Elena M. Butko, Esq., Staff Attorney, Washoe Legal Services

* Fraud Prevention Panel will take place in the Sierra View Library Community Room

Nevada State Business Center, 3300 W. Sahara Avenue, 4th Floor

Friday, March 8, 10:00 am- 3:00 pm

10:00 am- 3:00 pm- Resource Fair Booths Open

11:30 am- Fraud Prevention Panel featuring:

            Cris Carmona, Chief Investigator, Nevada Consumer Affairs

            Lucas Tucker, Senior Deputy AG, Nevada Attorney General’s Office

            Gail Anderson, Deputy Administrator, Nevada Secretary of State’s Office

            Michael Crabtree, Community Relations Officer, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services         

            Elizabeth Waite, Education and Information Officer, Nevada Division of Mortgage Lending     

            Paul Rozario, Director of Investigations, Nevada State Contractor’s Board

For more information about the Consumer Fraud Prevention Fairs, or Nevada Consumer Affairs, visit http://consumeraffairs.nv.gov or call 844-594-7275.

About Nevada Consumer Affairs

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.  Consumers are encouraged to visit http://consumeraffairs.nv.gov or call toll free 844-594-7275.  

# # #

Contact

Teri Williams
Public Information Officer
702-486-0407