National Consumer Protection Week March 1-7

“Survive Today’s Economy: Avoid ID Theft and Fraudulent Schemes”

The Houston District Consumer Affairs office, in conjunction with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, will host a number of events to celebrate National Consumer Protection Week in the Houston area. National Consumer Protection Week runs March 1-7. Officials will distribute information and brochures warning against identity theft and fraudulent schemes, providing consumers with valuable information about protecting their financial assets from these types of crimes, as well as ways to report suspected financial fraud.

The following schedule of events will promote this year’s National Consumer Protection Week “Survive Today’s Economy: Avoid ID Theft and Fraudulent Schemes.”

March 2 – 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. Katy (Park Row)
March 3 – 4 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Rodeo @ Reliant Center
March 4 – 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. Long Point
March 5 – 4 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Rodeo @ Reliant Center
March 6 – 8:00 a.m. – 3 p.m. Spring The Woodlands
March 10 – 2 p.m. – 3 p.m. Ft. Bend County Garden Apartments (Rosenberg)

Postmasters and Customer Service Managers interested in having their office participate in National Consumer Protection Week should contact the Consumer Affairs Office at 713-226-3442.

National Consumer Protection Week is a national program led by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) 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 schemes.  The 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.

“Spreading awareness about fraud makes a criminal’s job harder. The best way for our customers to protect themselves is to learn how to avoid fraudulent schemes such as reshipping scams, fraud on the Internet and work-at-home schemes,” said Chief Postal Inspector William Gilligan.

To avoid becoming a fraud victim:

• Use common sense.
• Take your time when responding to offers.
• Educate yourself about fraud.
• Know with whom you are dealing.
• Protect your personal information.
• Be skeptical of any offer that sounds too good to be true.

The Postal Service will point customers to the website established by the Postal Inspection Service and its business partners: http://postalinspectors.uspis.gov/ and www.FakeChecks.org.