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Become a better-informed consumer during National Consumer Protection Week

Learning how to identify the cons will keep you from becoming a scam victim

Published: March 2013

For the past 15 years, a broad coalition of government agencies, advocacy organizations, and private-sector groups have organized National Consumer Protection Week. This year NCPW runs March 3-9.

The coalition members, including Consumers Union, the advocacy arm of Consumer Reports, have worked together to help you manage your money, protect yourself from identity theft, and steer clear of fraud.

On the NCPW website you’ll find a wealth of free resources, news and updates, and advice on:

Avoiding the tricks and traps of “free” trial offers.
Protecting yourself from card skimming (PDF), when thieves use high-tech devices to read your bank and credit cards.
Preventing and managing overdraft fees.
Cutting through the advertising hype of anti-aging products.
Sizing up extended warranties and service contracts.
Spotting health care scams (PDF).
Avoiding fraud.

The FTC is hosting a live Twitter chat on Wednesday, March 6, from 2 to 3 p.m. ET. Experts will be on hand to answer your consumer-related questions and provide resources to help. So if you want to know how to file a complaint with a company or learn about the latest scams, this is a good opportunity to get answers.

This feature is part of a regular series by Consumers Union, the public-policy and advocacy division of Consumer Reports. The nonprofit organization advocates for product safety, financial reform, safer food, health reform, and other consumer issues in Washington, D.C., the states, and in the marketplace.

See also:

Where Does Your Food Come From?

The Problem With the Debt-Collection Industry

Consumer Rights Should Be a Priority for the White House and Congress

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When It Comes to Your Credit, Make Sure You Know the Score

Greener Cars Could Cut What You'll Spend on Gas

Food-Safety Legislation Aims to Stop Deadly Outbreaks

CALM Act Turns Down the Volume of TV Ads

Consumers Union and Consumer Protection: The Year in Review

Shedding Light on the Credit-Reporting Industry

Over the Holidays, You Better Watch Out . . . for Add-On Airline Fees

Gift Cards: Gifts That (Sometimes) Keep On Taking

Meat Without Drugs

No More Bill Shock

Rental-Car Roulette

Zombie Bank Accounts Rise From the Dead and Feed On Your Finances