Biden marks National Consumer Protection Week with seminar

Attorney General Beau Biden has announced that his office is marking National Consumer Protection Week (March 3-9) by conducting informational public forums and directing Delawareans to online resources to help guard themselves against fraud.

The Sussex forum will be held from 1 to 3 p.m., Friday, March 8^, at Seaford Public Library, 600 N. Market St.

The forum will raise awareness of several widespread consumer frauds commonly investigated by his office, as well as investment scams and the crime of identity theft.  Participants will learn how to protect themselves by recognizing signs that they or someone they know is being targeted, receive tips to avoid falling victim to a scheme, and learn about state and federal government resources available to help victims and their families.

“Your best protection against a scam or fraud is to avoid it in the first place,” Biden said.  “We’re recognizing Consumer Protection Week by visiting with consumers to educate them about common scams and empower them with information to avoid being victimized.  We invite all Delawareans to learn more about protecting themselves and their loved ones by attending a presentation.”

The presentation will be led by staff from the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Unit and Securities Unit.  Participant questions will be encouraged.  Presentations are free and open to the public.  Registration is not required.

Delaware consumers are urged to report suspected scams or fraudulent solicitations to the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Unit by calling 1-800-220-5424 or email consumer.protection@state.de.us.  Consumers are also encouraged to go to www.attorneygeneral.delaware.gov to view a wide variety of helpful tips and educational information and instructions for filing consumer complaints.

Learn more about National Consumer Protection Week 2013 at http://www.ncpw.gov.