Las Vegas, NV March 02, 2020
Thousands of
Nevadans each year fall prey to scams and fraudulent or deceptive business
practices resulting in financial loss and time spent seeking to recover those
losses. In 2019, Nevada Consumer Affairs (NCA), a unit within the Department of
Business and Industry’s Directors Office, received 1,951 informational inquiries
and complaints and recovered more than $1.3 million 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 Williams,
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. And if it does happen, we are here to
help.”
Education and
awareness is the best line of defense against becoming a victim of fraud. NCA,
with the support of the newly created Consumer Awareness Coalition,
is hosting a free
Consumer Fraud Prevention Fair in Las Vegas on
March 6 at the Nevada State Business Center, 3300 W. Sahara
Avenue from 11:00 am- 3:00 pm.
The fair
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 more
than 30 exhibitors including AARP Nevada, Federal Trade Commission, Nevada
State Contractors Board, Office of the Nevada Attorney General, U.S. Securities
and Exchange Commission and more. Admission is free and open to all members of
the public.
Free tax preparation services are also being offered by IRS certified
volunteers with the Nevada Free Taxes Coalition to Nevadans with annual incomes
under $59,000. Attendees should bring their original social security card,
government issued ID, and all income and deductible expense documents.
SCHEDULE
11:00 am- 3:00
pm- Resource Fair Booths
11:00 am- 3:00
pm- FREE Income Tax Preparation Services
11:30 am- Fraud
Prevention Panel featuring:
Cris Williams, Nevada Consumer
Affairs
Detective Michael Gomez, Las Vegas
Metro Police Department
1:00 pm- Fraud
Prevention Panel featuring:
Sheri Ann Forbes, Office of the
Nevada Attorney General
Annie Walters, U.S. Social Security
Administration
Delilah Vinzon, Federal Trade
Commission
For more information
about the Consumer Fraud Prevention Fair 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.
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