FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 8, 2018
Contact: James Hallinan (505) 660-2216
Knowledge is power for consumers to prevent scams.
Albuquerque, NM – During National Consumer Protection Week, Attorney General Hector Balderas urges New Mexico consumers to get the FACTS and have the Tools they need to help combat scams.
“The best protection you can have to prevent being scammed is knowledge,” Attorney General Balderas said. “Knowing what to look out for and where to go for help can empower consumers to avoid scams.”
Here are some Tools to help you make better consumer decisions:
- Federal Trade Commission (FTC): the FTC is the nation’s consumer protection agency. The FTC works to prevent fraudulent, deceptive and unfair business practices in the marketplace. At their website specific for consumers (www.consumer.ftc.gov/), you can file complaints, register for Do Not Call, and learn many tips to avoid scams. You can also report identity theft at www.identitytheft.gov/ as well.
- Federal Communications Commission (FCC): the FCC regulates interstate and international communications by radio, television, wire, satellite and cable in all 50 states. Need to file a complaint or need to know more about spoofing or robocalls, visit www.fcc.gov/consumers.
- U.S. Postal Inspector: If you receive mail that is a scam, including any check scams, the U.S. Postal Inspector investigates postal fraud. You can file a complaint here: https://postalinspectors.uspis.gov/
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA): If you are looking to buy a car, or currently own a car and want to know of any safety recalls, go to www.safercar.gov. You can also look up specific makes and models to see what complaints owners have about their vehicles.
- Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC): For recalls on consumer goods visit www.cpsc.gov.
- Better Business Bureau (BBB): Want to know more about a company you are considering doing business with? Check and see their BBB report (www.bbb.org) and see if the company has had any complaints and how well they respond to them. You can also go to their site www.give.org to view national charity reports.
- Charity Navigator: In addition to the BBB, Charity Navigator (www.charitynavigator.org) also has reports of national charities. For local charities, you can contact our office (www.//secure.nmag.gov/CharitySearch).
- USA.gov: the federal government has published a list of various agencies to turn to when you may have been scammed (www.usa.gov/stop-scams-frauds).
The Office of the Attorney General has help and information during National Consumer Protection Week — March 4-10, 2018 — and any time of the year. Consumers can always contact the Office of the Attorney General anytime at www.nmag.gov or by calling 1-844-255- 9210.
Attorney General Balderas will have consumer advocates and charities advisors on hand, as well as valuable consumer protection information available on Friday, March 9, 2018 in the lobby of the downtown Albuquerque Office of the Attorney General. Consumers are encouraged to walk in and will have the opportunity to have their questions answered, concerns heard, and receive assistance in filing a consumer complaint between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM on Friday. The Office of the Attorney General is located at 201 Third Street NW, in the ABQ Plaza building.
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