By: Attorney General Mike Hunter
This year, thousands of Oklahomans will be the target of a fraud or scam.
Clever schemes using modern technology give scammers an unfair advantage to prey upon innocent victims.
Whether it’s a scam involving unfair business practices, home repair fraud or an individual who becomes the victim of an online phishing scam, it happens to our neighbors, friends and loved ones. Unfortunately, there is no way to completely prevent fraud from happening.
However, work being done around the clock by the Consumer Protection Unit in the Attorney General’s Office is continuing to assist Oklahomans in need by raising awareness on fraud and scams; building cases and prosecuting individuals and businesses who commit fraud; and helping individuals who have become victims get access to resources they need to rebuild their lives.
The unit is a small, efficient group of five attorneys, four investigators and four consumer representatives. Last year, 45 investigations recovered over $175,000 for individuals through restitution or refunds.
With this week being Consumer Protection Week in Oklahoma, I want recognize the continued efforts of the Consumer Protection Unit, who work aggressively to protect Oklahomans.
Although we have celebrated many victories, I want to remind Oklahomans our work is far from over. For every scam that is shut down, it seems like two or three more are created.
That is why I want to remind citizens to remain vigilant against potential fraud.
For information on the latest known scams the Federal Trade Commission has identified, or to get scam alerts via email, visit the FTC scam alert website.
I also want to use this opportunity to invite Oklahomans to Consumer Protection Day at the Attorney General’s Office from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 313 NE 21st St. in Oklahoma City on Friday, April 21. The free event is open to the public.
This year, we have partnered with AARP, MIDCON shredding and a host of other federal and state agencies to help distribute valuable information on how to avoid potential scams.
MIDCON will have shredders available on site for individuals to shred their outdated personal information and sensitive documents.
For more on the event, click here.
During the event, we will award this year’s Consumer Champion, which is someone who has worked as an advocate for consumers in the state of Oklahoma.
Through Consumer Protection Week, we want to encourage Oklahomans to take advantage of their consumer rights and know the Oklahoma Attorney General’s Office is their leading advocate in the fight against fraud.
For more information on the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Unit, click here.
To report a scam or fraud to the Attorney General’s Office, call (405) 521-2029 or email [email protected].