Become An Empowered Consumer

In today’s troubled economy consumers need protection more than ever. With unemployment high, rising costs, and con artists working overtime to come up with new and clever ways to target and exploit the vulnerable, consumers need information and education in order to defend themselves against fraud and make wise choices in the marketplace.

At a workshop in Columbia on Tuesday, several state and federal agencies and private sector partners offered presentations on general scams and fraud, Identity Theft and the new legislation in South Carolina, credit repair, mortgage fraud, investment basics and investment scams. Representatives from the US Postal Inspection Service, US Attorney, Federal Trade Commission, IRS, FBI, Attorney General, Lt. Governor, and the Department of Consumer Affairs participated.  The Department of Consumer Affairs tells News Channel 7, “We are thrilled to see the result of collaboration from all levels - federal, state, and local agencies today.  Some of the topics highlighted were identity theft, investment and savings programs, mortgage fraud, mail fraud, credit repair, new legislation, and of course the latest scams.  The exceptional consumer turnout and positive feedback from consumers confirm the need for workshops like these. Making the agencies, their services, and their resources available to consumers during these economic times is more important now than ever. This is just one way that we’re seeking to do that, and we are thrilled to see consumers taking advantage of the opportunity.“

Click on the link for more information on how to protect yourself.