TALLAHASSEE, Fla.– In recognition of Consumer Protection Week (March 3 through March 9), Attorney General Pam Bondi encourages Floridians to educate themselves about how to avoid consumer scams.
“My Consumer Protection Division diligently pursues unscrupulous individuals and businesses that deceive or otherwise scam consumers in violation of the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act,” said Bondi. “Consumers who suspect they have been the victim of unfair or deceptive practices should call 1-866-9-NO-SCAM.”
Consumers can protect themselves during business transactions by:
· Researching companies before making any purchases or other transactions;
· Putting your phone number on the National Do Not Call registry by visiting
DoNotCall.gov;
· Not providing your Social Security number unless it is required and certainly
never giving it out to a stranger over the phone or via the Internet;
· Being careful when providing any sensitive information via the Internet or over
the phone; and
· Checking your credit report every 12 months. The law provides you with one free credit report check once every twelve months. You can check your credit by
visiting AnnualCreditReport.com.
For more tips on how to make informed consumer decisions, avoid scams, protect personal information, and file complaints with the Attorney General's Office regarding possible unfair or deceptive conduct, please visit MyFloridaLegal.com. Consumers can also call 1-866-9-NO-SCAM to report a potential violation of Florida’s consumer protection laws.
