Attorney General's News Release

March 4, 2010

Attorney General Koster announces 12th Annual National Consumer Protection Week

Jefferson City, Mo. - Attorney General Chris Koster said today his office is gearing up to take part in National Consumer Protection Week March 8-12 with activities aimed at educating Missourians about the state's consumer protection laws and offering pointers about ways to avoid becoming victims.

Koster said that as part of National Consumer Protection Week, he will speak with senior citizens across the state about the types of frauds and scams that are being perpetrated in Missouri and across the nation. Koster will share his concerns about their safety and advise the seniors how the Office of the Attorney General can assist them if they have been defrauded.  In addition, Public Education Director Tom Durkin will provide insight into specific scams and frauds that have occurred recently and discuss how a citizen can avoid becoming a victim of scams that are commonly initiated using the internet, telephones, cell phones, and U.S. mail.

"Unfortunately, senior citizens often are the target of scams, so we're making a special effort to educate that group of Missourians during National Consumer Protection Week," Koster said. "I'll be visiting with seniors around the state with some tips on how to identify and avoid scams."

Koster said he will meet with Missouri seniors at the following locations next week:

• Monday, March 8, 10:00 a.m., East Hills Public Library, 502 North Woodbine in St. Joseph;
• Tuesday, March 9, 10:30 a.m., Joplin Senior Center, 2202 Jackson in Joplin, and 12:00 noon at the South Side Senior Center, 2215 South Fremont Avenue, Springfield;
• Wednesday, March 10, 10:30 a.m., Jackson Older Adults Keep Serving (OAKS) Senior Center, 2690 Traveler's Way, Jackson, and 10:30 a.m. at the Kennett Older Adults Keep Serving (OAKS) Senior Center, 900 Kennett Street, Kennett; and
• Thursday, March 11, 10:45 a.m., Hannibal Nutrition Center, 219 South Tenth, Hannibal.

Koster said in addition to scheduled events, his office will issue a "scam of the day alert" about particular types of scams his office has taken action against and give tips on how consumers can avoid becoming victims.

For more information about the Attorney General's Office Consumer Protection Division, visit www.ago.mo.gov.