Letter to the Editor (Independent News Herald)

To the Editor:

National Consumer

Protection Week

Looking to protect yourself from fraud, identity theft, and scams? Wondering about the best way to improve your credit, shop for a used car, or how to maximize your security online?

Hands of Hope Resource Center has information for you during National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW)—March 5-11— and any time of the year.

NCPW is a time when government agencies, consumer protection groups, and organizations like ours work together to share information about consumer rights and help people learn to spot, report, and avoid scams.

For the year 2022, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reports having received 49,419 consumer reports for total fraud, identity theft, and other reports. The total number of fraud reports was 27,508, with a total consumer loss of $80.4 million dollars.

Visit ftc.gov/ncpw to learn how to get free consumer education materials and read the latest from consumer protection experts.

Hands of Hope Resource Center provides free community education resources and/or presentations to organizations, on a variety of topics, through our Violence Prevention Program.

If you would like more information, please call the Long Prairie Office at 320-732-2319 or 800-682-4547.

Kimberly Cook

General Crime & Violence

Prevention Coordinator

Hands of Hope Resource Center