Consumer protection agencies join forces to educate consumers during National Consumer Protection Week (March 5-11)

Each year, thousands of Nevadans fall prey to scams and fraudulent or deceptive business practices resulting in hardship or financial loss. In 2022, the Federal Trade Commission ranked Nevada #3 in the nation for the number of fraud complaints (per 100,000 residents) reported, resulting in an estimated $108.4 million lost to fraud. 

Education and knowledge are the consumer’s best line of defense. Awareness of common scams, understanding the methods used by scammers, developing the ability to identify red flags, and knowing where to turn for help are just a few of the tools consumers need to guard against attempted fraud.

Nevada Consumer Affairs, the Better Business Bureau Serving Northern Nevada and Utah, the Western Region Office San Francisco of the Federal Trade Commission and the Nevada Attorney General’s Bureau of Consumer Protection are joining forces to reach consumers during National Consumer Protection Week. Through social media campaigns, a panel discussion, and media appearances, the Working Together to Protect Nevada Consumers campaign aims to help as many consumers as possible avoid potential pitfalls and traps before they put their money at risk.

Panel Discussion

An in-person panel discussion will be held Tuesday, March 7 at the Reno + Sparks Chamber of Commerce, beginning at 10:00 am. Come learn about what is being done to protect Nevada consumers. Representatives with the Federal Trade Commission, Nevada Consumer Affairs, Nevada Attorney General’s Office, and the Better Business Bureau will present information and host a Q&A session. The event is free and open to the public.

The presenters will highlight topics including: what consumers should know before entering into a sales transaction, top scams reported in the local community, scams targeting older adults, recent law enforcement actions affecting small businesses, fraud prevention resources, and other valuable insights.

“This event is a wonderful opportunity to learn about the latest scams, share your experiences, and learn ways to avoid and recover from scams, identity theft, and other consumer protection issues,” said FTC Western Regional Director Kerry O’Brien. “Scammers never run out of new ways to try to steal your money or identity. People who know about these tactics, however, are much less likely to fall for them.”

Media Appearances

Coalition representatives will tape a segment about scams and deceptive business practices targeting seniors scheduled for broadcast on the March 25^th episode of Aging and Awesome, airing on northern Nevada’s CBS affiliate KTVN 2.

Social Media

Nevada Consumer Affairs, Better Business Bureau of Northern Nevada and Utah and the Federal Trade Commission will be posting informative content regarding trends and resources for consumers on their respective social media channels:

Nevada Consumer Affairs: Twitter- @NVConsumerHelp; Facebook- NVConsumerHelp

BBB: Twitter- @BBBUtahNevada; Facebook- BBBUtahNevada

Federal Trade Commission: Twitter- @FTC and @LaFTC; Facebook- federaltradecommission

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