Raleigh/Apex, NC — Two Triangle-Area Post Offices are marking National Consumer Protection Week by supplying consumers with tools for surviving today’s economy by providing tips to prevent identity theft and by increasing awareness of fraudulent schemes.

On Tuesday, March 3, at Raleigh Westgate Post Office, 1 Floretta Place from 10 am – 1 pm, and on Wednesday, March 4, at Apex Post Office, 501 W. Williams Street, also from 10 am – 1 pm, officials from the U.S. Postal Service, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Better Business Bureau will lead the effort this week to provide consumers with valuable information about protecting their assets from fraudulent schemes and tips on keeping their personal information safe.

“Today’s challenging economy deems it critical that we give consumers tools to guard against losing their hard-earned money to fraud,” says Howard Sample, Postmaster, Raleigh Post Office.

Postal Service representatives will be educating consumers by distributing DVDs and brochures warning against fraudulent financial schemes, and are available to host information sessions and events. U.S. Postal Inspectors say consumers are still being targeted for fraudulent mailing schemes but can take steps to protect their assets.

To avoid becoming a fraud victim:

• Use common sense.
• Take your time when responding to offers
• Educate yourself about fraud.
• Know with whom you are dealing.
• Protect your personal information.
• Be skeptical of any offer that sounds too good to be true.

For more information on NCPW, contact Cathel Brown, (919) 420-5126.

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Please Note: For broadcast quality video and audio, photo stills and other media resources, visit the USPS Newsroom at www.usps.com/communications/newsroom/welcome.htm.

An independent federal agency, the U.S. Postal Service is the only delivery service that visits every address in the nation — 146 million homes and businesses. It has 37,000 retail locations and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to pay for operating expenses, not tax dollars. The Postal Service has annual revenues of $75 billion and delivers nearly half the world’s mail.