National Consumer Protection Week 2009

National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), which highlights consumer protection and education efforts across the country, is March 1-7, 2009. This year’s theme is Nuts and Bolts: Tools for Today’s Economy.

Washington state agencies have scheduled a variety of events and outreach activities to promote a fair marketplace built on business integrity and consumer trust.

Whether consumers are trying to stretch their paychecks, improve their credit history or tell the difference between a real deal and a potentially fraudulent product or service, information is one tool that can always help them get the most for their money.

• Governor’s Proclamation
• Check the Attorney General’s All Consuming blog for daily tips and relevant news.
• News Releases:
  • Phone companies continue to generate the most complaints at Attorney General's Office
  • Department of Revenue: Suspectfraud.com helps consumers

EVENTS

Consumer Protection Information Fairs
The Attorney General’s Office and the Utilities and Transportation Commission will be hosting consumer information booths in cities across our state. Please join us to learn about the latest scams and your rights and responsibilities as consumers. Consumer Resource Center staff will be on hand to answer your questions.

KHQ 6 Help Center – Thursday, March 5
Attorney General Rob McKenna and staff from the Attorney General’s Office and Better Business Bureau are scheduled to discuss the latest scams targeting consumers during the evening news on Spokane television station KHQ. Consumer protection experts will work the phones from 5-6:30 p.m. to answer questions from viewers. More information will be added as it becomes available.

Free Community Shred Event in Spokane Valley–Friday, March 6
7 a.m. - 10 a.m. at the Metro Carrier Annex near the fairgrounds, 5511 E. Alki Ave. Sponsored by the Spokane Chapter of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, U.S. Postal Inspector, U.S. Postal Service and Spokane Police Department. Shredding provided by United Data Security. Investigator Mark Porter from the Attorney General's Office will be available to provide consumer protection information. Info: cfe@spokanefraud.org

Washington Saves Week (Feb. 22-March 2)
The Washington Department of Financial Institutions, Washington Asset Building Coalition, local financial institutions and libraries have partnered on a campaign to illustrate the importance of saving money. Washington saves Week overlaps with Consumer Protection Week and includes events statewide.

Other Washington state agencies and private organizations recognizing National Protection Week:

Employment Security Department
Department of Financial Institutions
Department of Revenue:   Suspectfraud Campaign
Department of Labor and Industries
Department of Licensing
Insurance Commissioner’s Office
Secretary of State's Office
Utilities and Transportation Commission
Access Washington Consumer Protection Site
Better Business Bureau

National Consumer Protection Week Web site
Semana Nacional de Protección del Consumidor