During National Consumer Protection Week, March 2-8, government agencies, consumer protection organizations, and advocacy groups raise awareness about consumer rights and provide information on how to protect oneself from scams, fraud, and other forms of consumer exploitation.
Various organizations and government agencies, such as the Federal Trade Commission, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and the National Consumers League, come together to educate consumers about their rights and provide tips on how to avoid common scams and pitfalls.
Some of the topics that are typically covered during National Consumer Protection Week include:
- Identity theft and cybersecurity
- Scams and phishing
- Credit and debt management
- Financial literacy
- Product safety and recalls
- Online shopping and e-commerce safety
- Consumer complaints and dispute resolution
The goal of National Consumer Protection Week is to empower consumers with the knowledge and skills they need to make informed decisions and protect themselves from unfair and deceptive business practices. By promoting consumer education and awareness, National Consumer Protection Week aims to create a more informed and vigilant consumer community.
The library has events and resources available to help you safeguard your finances and identity, and shop safely. Check out items from our booklist on these topics and sign up now to attend the presentation by Bloom Advisors called “Raising Financially Aware Children” on March 31 at 7:00 pm.
Resources
Federal Trade Commission: You can report identity theft to the FTC online or by calling 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357).
IdentityTheft.gov: Provides a step-by-step guide to recovering from identity theft. It also offers a personalized recovery plan and resources for victims.
National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) – A non-profit organization that provides resources and guidance on cybersecurity, including tips on how to stay safe online and protect your personal data.
Stop. Think. Connect.: A national cybersecurity awareness campaign that provides tips and resources on how to stay safe online.
Scams and Fraud: USA.gov – Learn the warning signs of identity theft and scams, and how to report it.
National Consumers League (NCL) – Fraud Prevention: Provides information on scams, including phishing, identity theft, and online scams.
AARP: Scams & Fraud – Provides information on scams, including phishing, identity theft, and online scams, specifically targeting older adults
National Endowment for Financial Education – Provides financial education resources, including articles, webinars, and online courses.
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission – Provides information on product recalls and safety alerts.
Recalls.gov: Provides information on product recalls from various government agencies, including the CPSC, FDA, and USDA.
SaferProducts.gov: SaferProducts.gov is a website that allows consumers to report and search for product safety incidents and recalls.
Better Business Bureau – File a complaint, search rated businesses and charities, scam tracker, and consumer resources for informed buying.
Federal Trade Commission Online Shopping – Provides tips and resources on how to shop safely online, including information on secure websites, passwords, and payment methods.
Consumer Reports – “Consumer Reports is an independent, nonprofit member organization that works side by side with consumers for truth, transparency, and fairness in the marketplace.”
Articles