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National Consumer Protection Week 2013

Fairfax County Consumer Affairs Celebrates 15^th Annual National Consumer Protection Week

Looking to protect yourself from fraud, identity theft, and scams? Maybe you’re wondering about the best way to use credit, how to shop for a used car, or maximize your security online. Fairfax County Consumer Affairs has information for you during National Consumer Protection Week, March 3-9, 2013.

Fairfax County Consumer Affairs is celebrating National Consumer Protection Week along with government agencies, advocacy organizations and private sector groups nationwide. Here in Fairfax, Consumer Affairs will be hosting events and workshops with industry experts, setting up information booths, and partnering with state and federal agencies to showcase consumer information. Susan Jones, Branch Chief, stated, “Throughout the year, Fairfax County Consumer Affairs answers advice inquiries, assists consumers with pre-purchase information, and provides community outreach presentations. National Consumer Protection Week gives us the opportunity to share resources and educate consumers. Our goal is that consumers become well informed of their consumer rights and know where to turn when assistance is needed.”

  Follow Consumer Affairs on Facebook to stay connected with 2013 National Consumer Protection Week. 

NATIONAL CONSUMER PROTECTION WEEK SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

To register for an event please visit http://ncpw.eventbrite.com.com or call 703-222-8435 TTY 711.

• Unclaimed Property Search - Virginia Department of Treasury, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
  The Virginia Department of the Treasury's Unclaimed Property Division may be holding your un-cashed paychecks, lost stocks, bonds, dividends, utility deposits, insurance claims and more. Stop by to meet with representatives from the VA Department of Treasury to see if any money is owed to you. Last year, over $30,000 was returned to consumers during NCPW.
  • Monday, March 4: South County Center, 8350 Richmond Highway, Alexandria.
    
  • Tuesday, March 5: Fairfax County Government Center, North Atrium, Fairfax.
    
  • Wednesday, March 6: Greenspring Village, 7400 Spring Village Drive, Springfield.
    
  • Thursday, March 7: Cub Run Rec Center, 4630 Stonecroft Blvd, Chantilly.
    
  • Friday, March 8: South County Center, 8350 Richmond Highway, Alexandria.
• Saturday, March 2: Identity Theft – How to Minimize Your Risk
  Identity Theft is the fastest growing crime in America. Protecting your personal, financial and confidential information in this age of e-mail, social networking sites, blogs, online banking and smart phones requires a plan of action. Find out what you can do as part of your daily routine to minimize your risk for identity theft and get information and resources that will help you defend should identity theft strike. This event is sponsored in partnership with the George Mason Regional Library. Join us at the George Mason Regional Library, 7001 Little River Turnpike, Annandale, VA from 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. Register online or call 703-256-3800.
• Monday, March 4: Buying a New TV
  Buying a television is more complicated than it used to be. Join Scotty Scott of the Communications Policy and Regulation Division for advice on the features of digital TVs and advantages of the newest digital sets, such as access to the Internet. Learn how to steer clear of TVs with less up-to-date features or lower picture quality. The presentation will also discuss options for receiving TV signals, such as over-the-air broadcast (free) and cable (by subscription). Attendees are welcome ask questions about both digital and analog (older) TVs. Join us at the Fairfax County Government Center, 12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax, VA, Conference Rooms 9/10, from 11:30 - 12:30 p.m.
• Monday, March 4: Energy Saving Tips for Consumers
  Would you like to learn about direct and indirect cost saving measures from home and workplace energy conservation? Do you have costly home energy bills? Join the Fairfax County Consumer Affairs Branch for a discussion on Home Energy Savings for Consumers featuring guest panelists from Home Performance Solutions and the US Department of Energy at the Fairfax County Government Center, 12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax, VA, Conference Rooms 9/10, from 1:30 - 2:30 p.m.
• Tuesday, March 5: Fair Housing – Fostering an Inclusive Community
  The Fairfax County Consumer Affairs Branch will host a panel discussion about fair housing laws. Members of the Fairfax County Fair Housing Task Force will share information about the role that fair housing plays in fostering an inclusive community. Community volunteer leaders and members will receive guidance on how to ensure compliance with federal, state and local fair housing laws. Join us at the Fairfax County Government Center, Conference Room 9/10 from 12:30pm to 2:00pm.
• Tuesday, March 5: Be an Informed Consumer
  Education is the first line of defense in fighting fraud and scams. Join the Consumer Affairs Branch and the West Springfield Citizen’s Advisory Committee to find out about the information and education available to make sure consumers know and understand their rights and responsibilities in the marketplace. Also, find out how you can help with your local Citizen’s Advisory Committee. Join us in the community room at the West Springfield District Police Station, 6140 Rolling Road in Springfield from 7:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Registration is not required. Call 703-222-8435, if you have questions about this event.
• Wednesday, March 6: What You Need To Know Before You Hire A Contractor
  If you are planning springtime home improvement repairs or want to get started on a major remodeling project, you need to know how to hire a contractor. Join the Fairfax County Consumer Affairs Branch, to get the information you need so you can avoid disappointment and home repair scams by knowing why and how to hire a licensed contractor. This workshop is sponsored jointly with the Annandale Chapter of the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association. The workshop starts at 11 a.m. following the 10 a.m. business meeting in the community room at the Mason District Governmental Center at 6507 Columbia Pike, in Annandale, Virginia. Directions to the meeting can be found at www.narfe.org/chapter1159. Registration is not required.
• Thursday, March 7: Couponing Workshop with Laura Harders of BeltwayBargainMom.com
  Laura Harders, author of BeltwayBargainMom.com and a Savings.com DealPro, will teach a Grocery Coupon Workshop with Consumer Affairs. Gain a better understanding of how to shop with coupons using strategic couponing and menu planning techniques to achieve savings on grocery bills. Come prepared to learn, discuss, and connect with others who are excited about saving money too! Join us from 1:30-2:30 p.m. in conference room 9/10 at the Fairfax County Government Center.

 

• Please register online at http://ncpw.eventbrite.com or by calling 703-222-8435. Fairfax County is committed to nondiscrimination on the basis of disability in all county programs, services and activities. Reasonable accommodations will be provided upon request. For information, call Fairfax County Consumer Affairs, 703-222-8435 TTY 711.