Carson City, NV -
March 01, 2017
Chances
are, you have been a target of a scam, or know of someone that has been caught
up in a scheme that has resulted in financial loss and the stress of being
victimized. There is no shortage of predators looking to make an easy
buck off of unsuspecting consumers. And while some fraud attempts are
obvious, others can be cleverly disguised and can look like legitimate
offers.
By
the time you’ve heard about a particular scam on the news or from a neighbor,
the fraudsters have moved on to a new scheme. So what can you do to
protect yourself against becoming a victim of a fraud? Where do you turn
to get information about a company’s reputation before you sign a contract for
a product or service? What community resources are available if you need
help?
National
Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), March 5-11, was established to help bring
awareness and education to help people understand their rights as a consumer,
how to make well-informed decisions about personal security, what steps you
should take if you come across a scam, and what resources are available in your
local community.
In
conjunction with NCPW, Nevada Consumer Affairs (NCA), a unit of the Department
of Business and Industry, is hosting a FREE Consumer Fraud Prevention
Fair on Wednesday, March 8 at The Studio at Adams Hub, 111 W. Proctor Street in
Carson City from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.
A
resource expo will be held throughout the day with participation from AARP
Nevada, Carson City Sheriff’s Office, Home Again, Senior Medicare Patrol,
Washoe Legal Services, Nevada Consumer Affairs, Division of Insurance, Real
Estate Division and the Office of the Nevada Attorney General.
A
fraud prevention panel discussion is scheduled for 11:00 am with
representatives from Nevada Consumer Affairs, Office of the Nevada Attorney
General, Carson City Sheriff’s Office and Senior Medicare Patrol. The
panel will discuss the most relevant scams and issues being reported to their
organizations and will provide tips on how to protect yourself and your loved
ones and your rights as a consumer.
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.
In
2016, NCA assisted approximately
2,000
consumers
,
with the top category of complaints involving product purchases
.
Of
all
complaints
received and processed through a formal investigation,
NCA investigators
were able to recover
nearly
$200,000 for consumers.
“
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
http://consumeraffairs.nv.gov
or
callthe office for assistance at (775) 684-1910 or toll free 844-594-7275.
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