Nevada Consumer Affairs to host free Consumer Fraud Prevention Fair March 9

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 1^st 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.