Bronson Recognizes 12th Annual National Consumer Protection Week
For Information, Contact:
Gwen Worlds
(850) 410-3702
Gwendolyn.Worlds@freshfromflorida.com
March 8, 2010
TALLAHASSEE – Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Charles Bronson is joining consumer advocates nationwide in announcing March 7-13 as National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW). The designation is made to highlight the need for people to learn about their rights and responsibilities as consumers. Bronson will sponsor a resolution at the March 9th Cabinet meeting recognizing the annual event.
National Consumer Protection Week gives federal, state and local government agencies and other consumer advocates the opportunity to promote consumer awareness and education efforts. This year’s theme is “Dollars & Sense: Rated “A” for All Ages” to highlight the need for using good consumer sense at every stage of life, from grade school to retirement. Bronson says there is an abundance of free resources to help people protect their privacy, manage money and debt, avoid identity theft, understand credit and mortgages, and steer clear of frauds and scams. According to the Consumer Federation of America, children under age 12 spend billions of dollars each year on goods and services so it’s important to provide them with some practical tools for making good decisions.
"Kids are using computers often before they even enter school so it’s never too soon to begin teaching them about privacy issues,” Bronson said. “And the elderly are often targeted by con artists so it is never too late to learn how to spot and avoid scams. Being a more informed and empowered consumer is important throughout your life.”
Bronson encourages people to visit the department’s Division of Consumer Services web site at www.800helpfla.com to learn about consumer protection and to visit the NCPW web site, http://www.ncpw.gov/, for tips about making smart consumer decisions.
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