Financial Literacy Encouraged During National Consumer Protection Week

You may not be aware of it, but the decisions you make day-to-day could affect your pocket book.

According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the average consumer like yourself conducts some type of financial transaction requiring an educated decision every day: shopping for a mortgage or auto loan; understanding and reconciling credit card statements and utility bills; choosing savings and retirement plans; comparing health insurance policies; understanding their credit report and how it affects their ability to get credit and at what cost; or simply deciding how to pay for a purchase.  The fact is that education is the first line of defense for consumers when it comes to protecting themselves from frauds or rip-offs.  

This week, the Nevada Attorney General’s Office joins a group of federal, state, and local government agencies and national consumer advocacy organizations to celebrate the 10th annual National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW).   Every year, NCPW highlights consumer education efforts in the fight against fraud in communities across the nation. This year, NCPW’s national organizers are encouraging people to master the financial facts of life.  It’s a sound investment: Financially savvy consumers are likely to make smarter decisions when managing their money, using credit, and building a solid financial foundation for later.

As part of this year’s NCPW, the Attorney General’s Bureau of Consumer Protection is issuing a daily press release regarding issues particularly relevant to Nevada consumers.  These releases are available on my website: http://www.ag.state.nv.us

Consumers can also find practical – and tactical – tips from NCPW partner organizations about how to make well-informed financial decisions, avoid credit scams, and protect their personal information at www.consumer.gov/ncpw.