When the U.S. Office of Consumer Affairs closed last year, the annual celebration of consumer power that the agency sponsored didn't die -- it was reborn as National Consumer Protection Week. The first NCPW will be February 1-7, 1999.
Coordinated by the National Consumers League, the Federal Trade Commission, the National Association of Consumer Agency Administrators, Consumer Federation of America, AARP, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the National Association of Attorneys General, the NCPW activities in February will focus on credit fraud. From advance fee loan scams to home equity fraud, "pay day" loans to rent-to-own abuses, identity theft to credit-repair flim flams, credit fraud can target consumers of all ages and financial status. And its affects can be devastating, not only to victims' wallets but their physical and emotional well-being.
At the National Consumers League's National Fraud Information Center and Internet Fraud Watch programs, we receive hundreds of questions and complaints from consumers every year about bogus telemarketing and online offers for credit cards, personal or business loans, credit repair services, and credit card loss protection plans. It's often hard for people to spot credit fraud -- until they realize they've been taken for their last dime.
That's why it's so important for Americans to Know the Rules and Use the Tools, to use credit wisely and be alert to credit fraud.
Be part of the fight against credit card by helping to promote public awareness during National Consumer Protection Week. No matter whether you're from a government agency, a consumer organization, a legislative office, a community group, a private business, an educational institution, a trade association, a civic group, a club, a religious organization, a media outlet -- or if you're simply an individual consumer -- you can join in! Be creative and think about what you can do in your workplace, your neighborhood, your school.
We'll help you by providing some of the tools to use. There
are contests for the "Consumer of the Year" and for
the best NCPW activities. Educational brochures, quizzes, press
releases and other materials can be found at the click of mouse
on the NCPW
page. More information and materials, including announcements
from the National Consumers League, will be added to the site
as time goes on, so check often and get involved!
The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America's pioneer consumer organization. The NCL's three-pronged approach of research, education and advocacy has made it an effective representative and source of information for consumers and workers. NCL is a private, nonprofit membership organization dedicated to representing consumers on issues of concern.
For more information, write or call the National Consumers League at 1701 K Street, N.W., Suite 1200, Washington, D.C. 20006, (202) 835-3323.