This is “National Consumer Protection Week,” a time to highlight consumer protection and education efforts around the country and right here in Monroe County.
Ever-increasing knowledge and constant technological advances in marketing and telecommunications give everyone – especially con artists – more abilities to create clever and comprehensive sales pitches that sound and look legitimate.
Consumer safety is tremendously important in today’s technical world, yet sometimes its details are difficult to remember, especially during the busy rush of an average day. There are many precautions to take to ensure you don’t fall prey to con artists and disreputable businesses.
To help in the effort, the state Consumer Protection Board (CPB) serves to educate and empower consumers about potential scams that exist today and will develop as technology advances. The CPB has useful consumer tips for staying safe and a constantly updated “Consumer Watch List” of known frauds accessible at www.consumer.state.ny.us.
The board can also be reached through its consumer protection hot line at (800) 697-1220. It’s another way to request informative brochures and to seek third party help in resolving disputes over rebates and customer-service problems you may have with a particular business.
The board is hosting its third annual “Consumer Action Day” on February 7 in Albany, when representatives of state and federal agencies will answer consumer-related questions and provide information. During “Consumer Protection: It’s the Name of the Game,” the CPB, in conjunction with the Consumer Product Safety Commission, will highlight recently recalled products and host a workshop, “Shop Smart Safely,” with an emphasis on children’s toys. It’s one of the many programs designed to help residents become better consumers by alerting them to defective products and con artists.
Please contact my office with questions, comments or concerns regarding this or any other matter by mailing to 2300 West Ridge Road, Rochester, N.Y. 14626, by e-mailing reilicw@assembly.state.ny.us or calling (585) 225-4190.