County to Observe Consumer Protection Week

The Hillsborough County Consumer Protection Agency joins federal and state government agencies for the 13thannual National Consumer Protection Week March 6-13, to provide practical tips to help consumers make better financial decisions.

With the nation’s sluggish economy, many people are facing financial difficulties and stretching their paychecks. It’s more important than ever for consumers to know their rights; protect their privacy; and manage their money and debt.

National Consumer Protection Week focuses on encouraging consumers to take advantage of the wealth of information available to enhance their confidence. This year, Hillsborough County’s Consumer Protection Agency will share tips and information that help consumers steer clear of tax rip-offs, identity theft schemes, home solicitation scams, caller ID tricks and dishonest locksmith businesses that might be out to unlock their bank accounts instead of their car or home.

All week, consumers can log onto the Agency’s Website at www.hillsboroughcounty.org/consumerprotection for a special Consumer Protection Tip of the Day for each day of National Consumer Protection Week.  Consumers will also find a wide range of tools on the Web site to help them know what’s in their credit report.

Also during National Consumer Protection Week, the county’s Consumer Protection Agency will bring its community outreach program to several areas, and offer a phone bank and information panel. Investigators will make presentations including:

• Senior Survival:  Cyber Crime, East Bay High School, 7710 Big Bend Road in Gibsonton, March 8, 1 to 3 p.m.

• Consumer Alert Phone Bank and Panel, ABC Action News Studio, 4045 N. Himes Ave. in Tampa, March 9, noon to 2 p.m.

• How to Buy a Car, Brandon High School, 1101 Victoria St. in Brandon, March 10, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

• 22nd Annual Senior Expo, Lightfoot Recreation Center, 10901 N. 56th St. in Temple Terrace, March 11, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

• Credit and Identity Theft, Wharton High School, 20150 Bruce B. Downs Blvd. in Tampa, March 11, 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

 For detailed information about National Consumer Protection Week 2011, go to www.ncpw.gov.