U.S. Postal Service Offers Tools for Today’s Economy

National Consumer Protection Week Begins Sunday

What:
Postal Service officials will host an awareness event to celebrate National Consumer Protection Week. Officials will distribute DVDs and brochures warning against fraudulent financial schemes and tips to avoid becoming a victim of identity theft.

Who:
Delores J. Killette, vice president, Consumer Advocate, U.S. Postal Service
William Gilligan, acting Chief Postal Inspector, U.S. Postal Inspection Service

When:
11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. ET
Monday, March 2

Where:
National Capitol Station
Post Office (Lobby)
2 Massachusetts Ave., NE
Washington, DC 20002-9997
North Capitol Street entrance
Parking available on-street and at Union Station

Background:
National Consumer Protection Week, set for March 1-7, is a national program led by the Federal Trade Commission to draw attention to issues and recommendations that help customers become smarter consumers of products, materials and services, and improve their knowledge of how to combat fraud of any type.

The U.S. Postal Service Office of Consumer Advocate and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service are working to educate consumers about identity theft and fraudulent mailing schemes. The U.S. Postal Service will provide consumers with the tools and information needed to combat these types of crimes.

According to the National Consumers League, reported losses from one type of mail fraud alone – fraudulent schemes – quadrupled in three years. Each victim of this type of scam loses an average of $4,000.