U.S. Postal Inspection Service and Alliance for Consumer Fraud Awareness Launch National Campaign to Combat Fake Check Schemes

Congresswoman Thelma Drake and Commonwealth’s Attorney Harvey Bryant Join Local U.S. Postal Inspection Service Kick-Off

VIRGINIA BEACH, VA — Television and print ads have begun appearing as a lead-in to the October 3, 2007, official launch of the Consumer Fraud Awareness campaign.  The Alliance for Consumer Fraud Awareness is a private-public initiative spearheaded by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service with members representing 20 financial institutions, associations, consumer advocacy groups and businesses.

Formed in October 2006, the Alliance created a national consumer awareness campaign to increase Americans’ awareness about fraudulent financial schemes, give consumers valuable information about protecting their assets from the schemes, and provide a central location where consumers can report suspected financial fraud.

On Saturday, October 6, local Postal Inspector Rosalind Roland, 2nd District Congresswoman Thelma Drake, and Commonwealth’s Attorney Harvey L. Bryant, will host a press conference at Witchduck Post Office, 4831 Columbus Street, Virginia Beach, beginning at 9:30 a.m.  Also, David, a victim of a fraudulent scheme, will share his personal experience.  The Postal Inspection Service and Consumer Affairs Program, Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney, will also staff information displays inside the Post Office lobby through noon.

Visit www.fakechecks.org to learn more about the campaign, to get familiar with these scams, test your potential vulnerability, and learn how to protect your hard earned money.