Consumer Protection Week: A great time to learn scams & safety tips
Published 12:00 am Saturday, March 6, 2021
- AG Jeff Landry
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From cars to houses and work to leisure, consumers spend big bucks each year for necessities and luxuries. Unfortunately, many fraudsters ply their trade wreaking havoc on these shoppers.
In fact, Americans lost $174 million to scams in 2020 alone, according to the Federal Trade Commission. National Consumer Protection Week is a time to help Louisiana consumers from falling victim to scammers.
“Education is the most critical component to fighting fraud,” said Attorney General Landry. “This annual awareness week is a great time to learn more about common scams and the ways to guard against them.”
Landry listed the following as red flags for scams:
- The solicitor says you must act immediately. Legitimate businesses do not pressure you to act until you have thoroughly reviewed the offer.
- The solicitor refuses to give or send you written information. Legitimate businesses are more than willing to send you information about their products and services.
- The solicitor is asking for a donation but will not answer how your gift will be used. Legitimate charitable organizations will send you information about their organization before you donate.
- The solicitor asks for your social security number. Legitimate businesses do not ask for this type of information unless you are applying for credit.
- The solicitor asks for your financial information. Never give out your credit card number or bank account number unless you have an established relationship with the business.
To combat these unscrupulous actors, Attorney General Landry encouraged Louisiana residents to follow some simple tips:
- Be wary of anything that sounds too good to be true.
- Avoid high-pressure sales tactics.
- Ask questions and get agreements in writing.
- Ignore “once in a lifetime” offers.
- Do not give cash, wire money or send prepaid money cards to strangers.
Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry encourages the public to report suspected consumer fraud to the Consumer Protection Hotline at 800-351-4889 and the FTC’s Consumer Response Center at 877-382-4357. Find more consumer safety tips at www.AGJeffLandry.com.