National Consumer Protection Week: March 1-7, 2020

Florida Dept. of Agriculture & Consumer Services

March Newsletter

February 29, 2020

Consumer protection and education are a full-time effort for the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and its partners like the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS). Each year during the first full week of March, the FTC marks National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW). This is a time to highlight the resources available to consumers and to help them understand their consumer rights and make well-informed decisions.

An alert and informed consumer is the best defense against fraud and deception, and consumer education is a top priority at FDACS. The Consumer Assistance Center staff is available to provide consumer information from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday, at 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352) or 1-800-FL-AYUDA (352-9832) or via Live Chat at www.FDACS.gov. FDACS also provides a variety of resources at www.FloridaConsumerHelp.com to protect Florida consumers and ensure they have the information they need to protect themselves and their families from becoming a victim of fraud. These resources include:

• The A to Z Resource Guide is an online directory of government related information designed to inform, educate and assist Florida's consumers. The guide directs consumers toward the most appropriate resource for assistance.
• The Business/Complaint Lookup is an online resource that allows consumers to find registration and complaint information in real-time.
• Check-A-Charity is an online searchable database that provides registration and financial information from charitable organizations soliciting within or from the state of Florida (excluding religious, educational, political and governmental agencies).
• File a Complaint online or request to have a complaint form mailed to you by calling the Consumer Assistance Center at 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352) or 1-800-FL-AYUDA (352-9832).
• Join the Florida Do Not Call List or report unwanted sales calls.
• Request a Speaker, at no cost, for your community or club meeting.
• Learn about some common scams and ways you can protect yourself by visiting Scams and Frauds.

FDACS is the state's clearinghouse for consumer complaints, protection and information. Consumers who believe fraud has taken place can contact the department's consumer protection and information hotline by calling 800-HELP-FLA (435-7352) or 800-FL-AYUDA (352-9832) or visiting www.FloridaConsumerHelp.com.