National Consumer Protection Week

Introduction/Overview

National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) is a fed­eral program, led by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to draw attention to issues and ideas that help customers become smarter consumers of products, materials, and services and improve their knowledge of how to combat fraud of any type. NCPW is fully supported by the U.S. Postal Service^® and managed by the vice president and Consumer Advocate and the chief postal inspector of the Postal Inspection Service.

What is National Consumer Protection Week?

The U.S. Postal Service office of Consumer Advocate and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service are working to edu­cate consumers about identity theft and fraudulent schemes and to provide them with the tools and informa­tion needed to combat these frauds. During NCPW, other federal, state, and local consumer protection agencies — together with consumer organizations and industry associ­ations — are launching consumer protection and education efforts around the country.

NCPW 2009 Theme

“Nuts and Bolts: Tools for Today’s Economy”

The national theme is intended to educate consumers about making wise purchase decisions and knowing how to avoid scams. Every year, the Postal Service™ supports the national theme by focusing on a specific aspect of the theme.

USPS 2009 NCPW Theme

The USPS® theme for this year is “Survive Today’s Economy: Avoid ID Theft and Fraudulent Schemes.” Our theme builds on the most successful consumer fraud awareness campaign in the Postal Inspection Service’s long, proud, and successful history. We will once again point consumers to the websites established by the Postal Inspection Service and its business partners, http://postal inspectors.uspis.gov and www.FakeChecks.org.

Priority Project

This is a priority project and program for Consumer Affairs managers (CAMs). CAMs will be responsible for overall program planning, with assistance from U.S. postal inspectors. Corporate Communications staff will promote events and activities with local media.

Postmasters and Facility Managers

Postmasters and facility managers are encouraged to join in this annual consumer awareness effort by sponsor­ing or supporting local activities during NCPW, March 1–7, 2009.

District Consumer Affairs Managers

The district Consumer Affairs manager should serve as a consultant and resource for postmasters and managers planning NCPW activities.

Corporate Communications

Corporate Communications staff will coordinate media outreach and press coverage of the week and planned events through media advisories, news releases, and calls to area reporters.

Background on USPS 2009 NCPW Theme “Survive Today’s Economy: Avoid ID Theft and Fraudulent Schemes.”

Identity Theft

Identity theft is a criminal offense. It occurs when a per­son knowingly transfers or uses, without lawful authority, a means of identification of another person with the intent to commit or to aid or abet any unlawful activity that consti­tutes a violation of federal law or that constitutes a felony under any applicable state or local law.

Identity theft is America's fastest-growing crime. Last year alone, more than 9.9 million Americans reported being victims of identity theft, a crime that cost them roughly $5 billion. The number of identity theft victims and their total losses are probably much higher. It’s hard to pin down, because law enforcement agencies may classify identity theft differently — it can involve credit card fraud, Internet fraud, or mail theft, among other crimes.

The FTC reported that only 2 percent of victims cited stolen mail as the source of personal information. Even so, U.S. postal inspectors, charged with protecting the nation’s mail system from criminal misuse, are leaders in the fight against identity theft.

Postal inspectors provide these identity theft tips:

n Review your consumer credit reports annually.

n Shred and destroy unwanted documents that con­tain personal information.

n Deposit mail in U.S. Postal Service collection boxes.

n Don’t leave mail in your mailbox overnight or on weekends.

The Postal Inspection Service has produced an identity theft awareness video for consumer groups, financial insti­tutions, and police departments (see page 17).

Visit these websites for more information on identity theft:

n U.S. Postal Inspection Service: http://postal inspectors.uspis.gov.

n Federal Trade Commission: www.consumer.gov/idtheft.

n U.S. Secret Service: www.secretservice.gov.

n Department of Justice: www.usdoj.gov/criminal/fraud/idtheft.html.

n Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation: www.fdic.gov/consumers.

Also:

n Learn how to protect personal identifying information in your organization: http://postal inspectors.uspis.gov/radDocs/BusChecklist.html.

n More tips to help you avoid identity theft: http:// postalinspectors.uspis.gov/investigations/MailFraud/fraudschemes/mailtheft/IDTheftTips.aspx.

n If you think you’re a victim of identity theft, here’s what you should do: http://postal inspectors.uspis.gov/investigations/MailFraud/fraud schemes/mailtheft/IDIfVictims.aspx.

n View and print a text-only version of the identity theft brochure: http://www.usps.com/cpim/ftp/pubs/pub280/welcome.htm.

n Learn about how identity thieves can steal your name and your money: http://postalinspectors.uspis.gov/investigations/MailFraud/fraudschemes/mailtheft/IDProtectName.aspx.

n Identity theft may include mail fraud, credit card theft, or check fraud. Read current online news of postal inspectors’ investigations of this fast-growing crime to learn how to best protect yourself: http://postal inspectors.uspis.gov/pressroom/ inspectorsnews.aspx.

n If you’re a victim of identity theft and the U.S. Mail is involved, call the Postal Inspection Service at 877-876-2455 and local police, or report identity theft online at https://postalinspectors.uspis.gov/forms/IDTheft.aspx.

Fraudulent Schemes

In fraudulent schemes, scammers often look for their potential victims on websites or in chat rooms, or they share their “sucker lists” with other crooks. The scams may be disguised as a work-at-home business opportunity, a prize from a foreign lottery, or a transfer of foreign money into a U.S. bank. All of them involve receipt of a check that looks genuine and will be accepted for cashing by most banks. The scammer convinces the victim that all or part of the check must be immediately wired out of the United States. When the victim takes the bait and wires money away, he or she will be responsible for repaying the money to the bank when the check is later found to be counterfeit.

Once consumers become educated about how these schemes work, they can stop scammers before the deposit of a fake check leads to an unplanned expense of thou­sands of dollars. When a potential victim is stopped from participating in fraudulent schemes, a crime has been pre­vented from taking place. The U.S. Postal Service goal is to:

n Increase Americans’ awareness about fraudulent financial schemes.

n Give consumers valuable information about protect­ing their assets from the schemes.

n Provide a central location where consumers can report suspected financial fraud.

The best defense against the constantly evolving threat of fraud is to be prepared to instantly identify it. An edu­cated public is the first line of defense.

These schemes involve counterfeit checks, gift checks, traveler’s checks, or money orders. Virtually every Ameri­can could be a scammer’s target, primarily through e-mail, though also through mail and phone solicitations.

The Alliance for Consumer Fraud Awareness conducted a survey of American adults and found the following:

n Two out of three adults say they receive at least one potential scam contact per week.

n Eighteen percent of adults say they or a family mem­ber has fallen for one of these scams.

n A majority of those surveyed believe the fraudulent check writer is responsible for the funds.

Identity theft and fraudulent schemes are fast-growing crimes that could ruin financial investment and cost thou­sands of dollars. There are many types of fraudulent schemes, but they all start when someone offers a realistic-looking check or money order and asks a potential victim to send cash somewhere in return.

Suggested Talking Points

These talking points can be used at National Consumer Protection Week events.

U.S. Postal Service

n Serving America since 1775.

n Named most trusted government agency fifth year in a row.

n The Postal Inspection Service has more than 200 years of consumer protection experience.

n USPS is a trusted friend and partner in every American community.

n We are proud to help spread the word and increase awareness about consumer fraud.

n The focus of the USPS message this year is “Prevent Identity Theft and Avoid Fraudulent Schemes.” By resisting the temptation to deposit a large check, a consumer will avoid a loss of up to thousands of dol­lars when the scam is exposed.

Common Defenses Against Identity Theft and Fraudulent Schemes

n It is never too early to learn the warning signs of scams:

n Sounds too good to be true.

n Pressure to act right away.

n Guaranteed success.

n Promises unusually high returns.

n Requires upfront investment — even for a free prize.

n Doesn’t act like a real business.

n Something doesn’t feel right.

n And even if all looks right, it never hurts to do your homework and check the offer out with a local Better Business Bureau, state’s attorney’s office, or local consumer groups.

n Even if the person or company has no track record of complaints, a scam may be familiar to watchdog consumer protection agencies.

n Don’t hesitate to discuss identity theft and fraudulent schemes with friends and family.

n And don’t forget to watch out for those you love — sometimes just a simple “What’s new?” can alert you to a loved one who has become a victim of identity theft.

Typical Types of Fraudulent Schemes

This information can be used in speeches or incorpo­rated into fact sheets or handouts for consumers. Below are some examples of fraudulent schemes.

Reshipping Scams

Have you been asked to receive packages at your home or business and mail them to someone else? Postal inspec­tors advise: Don’t do it!

Criminals use a variety of come-ons to trick people into reshipping fraud. They may even send counterfeit mailing labels to their recruits as a part of the scheme. The U.S. Postal Service returns packages with invalid postage.

See if you recognize one of these reshipping scenarios:

Work-at-Home Scams

Criminals post phony job announcements on Internet career sites offering positions such as “merchandising manager,” “package processing assistant,” or a similar title. Job duties include receiving packages and mailing them to a foreign address on behalf of a client. They may even send you postage-paid mailing labels.

The real story: A criminal has purchased merchandise with stolen credit cards and needs your help to smuggle the goods out of the country. The company is fake — even the mailing labels are counterfeit. And you are committing a felony when you help out these criminals.

Sweetheart Scams

Fraudulent reshippers also lurk on dating websites. They send a few e-mails to get to know you, and may even send a photo or flowers. Once they have your attention, they ask you to help their business or family by shipping packages to Europe or Africa. They may even claim to be working with a charity or mission, and request help in get­ting “donated” merchandise delivered to Africa or another part of the world.

The real story: You’re being asked to commit a crime by smuggling stolen goods. The photo may look like your per­fect match, but it’s a fake — and could be the picture of your worst nightmare.

Postage-Paid Label Scams

Scammers sometimes buy merchandise on Internet auction or classified advertisement sites (and they often use counterfeit checks or stolen credit accounts to pay.) When they contact the seller, they ask if they can provide a postage-paid shipping label instead of paying for postage. Then they e-mail a label that looks legitimate.

The real story: The label is counterfeit or it was bought using a stolen credit card. When postal inspectors or other law enforcement officers follow the clues to the return address, it often leads to an unsuspecting victim of a postage-paid label scam. Too often, the victim tells how the payment for the merchandise bounced, too.

USPS Click-N-Ship^® customers will want to make spe­cial note of this scheme.

What should you do if you’ve been tricked into reship­ping fraud?

n Don’t accept packages at your address for people you don’t know.

n Be wary of anyone asking to send you a mailing label purchased online.

n Stop all communication with operators who try to solicit your help in reshipping items.

n If you already have merchandise from such an offer, don’t mail it.

n Keep all correspondence (e-mails, faxes, etc.) related to these scams.

n Contact postal inspectors at 877-876-2455.

Fraud on the Internet

Old games, new tricks. Con artists are always offering deals that sound “too good to be true.” Originally, they came by mail or in a phone call. Now they’re coming through a more anonymous venue to pitch fraud — the Internet.

Although the Internet offers a safe and convenient venue to do business, fraudsters also like the Internet — to target unsuspecting consumers.

Online scammers can ignore national borders or bound­aries. They have only one objective: to steal your money. Whether it’s auction fraud or identity theft, reshipping scams or foreign lotteries, be cautious, and be smart.

U.S. postal inspectors offer these tips:

n Be suspicious of e-mail that appears to be from banks, online auction sites, or other retailers.

n Never use a link in an e-mail to visit a website.

n Only purchase goods and services from sites you trust.

n Examine all online offers before buying anything. When you’re online, be on guard. Don’t respond to suspicious e–mail and mail, and hang up on phone offers that sound “too good to be true.”

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service has these consumer brochures to help you learn more about fraud concerns:

Identity Theft:
Publication 280 text-only version, www.usps.com/cpim/ftp/pubs/pub280/welcome.htm

Consumer Fraud by Phone or Mail:
Publication 281 text-only version, www.usps.com/cpim/ftp/pubs/pub281.htm

Consumer & Business Guide to Preventing Mail Fraud:
Publication 300-A text-only version, www.usps.com/cpim/ftp/pubs/pub300a/welcome.htm

Prevención del Fraude Postal Prevención del Fraude Postal:
Publicacion 300-A-S text-only version, www.usps.com/cpim/ftp/pubs/pub300as.htm

Stop • Think • Click: An Overview of Computer Security:
The Internet gives you access to information, entertain­ment, financial offers — frankly, countless products and services. At the same time, it can leave you open to online scammers, identity thieves, and more. Learn experts’ top tips for computer security, http://www.onguardonline.gov/.

For more information on Internet fraud, visit www.lookstoo goodtobetrue.com

Foreign Business Offers

The potential victim receives an e-mail from a supposed foreign official, businessman, etc., with a proposal. The sender wants to move large sums of money from a foreign country and needs assistance. The victim is usually offered a portion of the proceeds. If the victim agrees, he usually receives checks for large sums of money in the mail. The victim deposits the checks into his bank account and the funds are posted to the account and shown as “available.”

The con artist wishes to send more money to the victim but quickly needs a portion of it returned in order to sup­posedly bribe an official, pay transfer fees, etc. The victim believes the previously deposited checks were genuine because the funds show as “available” in his bank account, so he honors the request and wires a portion of the funds back to the fraudster. The original deposited checks are returned as counterfeit and the victim is then held respon­sible for the loss and associated fees.

Sudden Riches

The potential victim receives a letter stating he has the right to receive a substantial sum of money. For example, the letter may say that the potential victim has won a for­eign lottery or is the beneficiary of someone’s estate, such as that of a long-lost relative. The letter will inform the victim that he must pay a processing or transfer fee before receiving the money. However, a check or money order is enclosed to cover the required fee. The letter will ask the victim to deposit the check or money order into his bank account and wire the fee to a third party, usually in a foreign country.

No legitimate contest promoter will ever ask for money to be paid upfront in order to send out a prize. It’s also wise to ask yourself whether you even entered the contest in the first place.

Overpayments

A scammer offers overpayments on items that a con­sumer advertised in the classifieds or on an online auction. The scammer sends the seller a check or money order for more than the purchase price and then asks that the extra money be sent to someone who will take care of shipping.

In another scenario, scam artists say that a check or money order payment will come from someone who owes them money and tell the victim to deduct his/her share and send the rest. They may claim they’re in a foreign country and that because of currency differences it’s difficult to make payment directly.

Consumers who buy and sell on craigslist should make special note of this scheme.

There’s no reason to have someone else send payment.

Scammers sometimes claim they sent the wrong amount “by mistake” and ask victims to return the excess. Legitimate buyers will be happy to send the exact amount you’re owed.

Questions and Answers: Identity Theft and Fraudulent Schemes

Q. Why should consumers be alert to identity theft and fraudulent schemes?

A. These crimes are a growing problem, and millions of American consumers are being targeted by scam artists.

n Wiring away money that appears to have come from a fraudulent scheme could destroy your financial foundation.

n Not only could you be out the money you wired, your bank could charge return fees or overdraft charges to your account.

n You are responsible for the money you put into your bank account, and also for what you wire out. If the check is a fake, you’re required to make good on the loss.

n Just about any business account you could imag­ine can be made into a counterfeit. The newest complaints include cashier’s checks, checks that look like they’re drawn on business accounts, money orders, traveler’s checks, and gift checks.

n A common theme exists in all fraudulent schemes: Just because a deposited check shows up as “funds available” in your account register, it doesn’t mean the check is good or has cleared.

n Federal law gives consumers the right to have quick access to the funds from deposited checks (usually within 1 to 5 days). However, it can take weeks for counterfeits to be discovered.

n The consumer is then responsible for all fees associated with a fraudulent scheme. No one who wants to give you money should ask you to send them money back.

Q. How does the Postal Inspection Service help to pre­vent identity theft and fraudulent schemes?

A. The Mail Fraud Statute is the oldest and most effec­tive consumer protection statute, and postal inspec­tors have been using this statute to preserve the integrity of the U.S. Mail since the law was enacted in 1872. Postal Inspection Service efforts have com­bined vigorous enforcement of the law with public education, consumer awareness, and crime preven­tion programs. Postal inspectors work with local, state, federal, and international law enforcement agencies — as well as a variety of bank and credit card issuers, financial institutions, retail merchants, credit bureaus, and other industry sources — to ed­ucate consumers and to prevent the spread of iden­tity theft and fraudulent schemes.

Q. What can consumers do to protect themselves from becoming victims of identity theft and fraudulent schemes?

A. Use common sense. Take your time when respond­ing to offers. Investigate. Talk to family, friends, and local consumer protection experts. Educate yourself about fraud. Know who you are dealing with. And protect your personal information. Every year thou­sands of people and businesses are victimized by scammers. In general, consumers should be skepti­cal of any offer that sounds “too good to be true.”

Q. What should consumers do if they suspect fraud?

A. Since many fraudulent schemes come through the mail, U.S. postal inspectors have taken the lead in investigating check fraud schemes. A fraud com­plaint can be filed online at the website www.FakeChecks.org or by telephoning 800-372-8347.

The Federal Trade Commission works for the con­sumer to prevent fraud and deception. Call 877-FTC-HELP (877-382-4357) or log on to www.ftc.gov.

Locate your local Better Business Bureau at www.bbb.org.

Q. What is a fraudulent scheme?

A. It’s a fast-growing fraud that could cost you thou­sands of dollars. There are many types of fraudulent schemes, but it all starts when someone offers a realistic-looking check or money order and asks you to send cash somewhere in return. It’s phony, and so is the person’s story, but that may take weeks to dis­cover. Now your bank wants the money back. Turns out that just because you can get the cash doesn’t mean the check or money order is good. If it’s not, the crook will be richer and you’ll be the loser, because you’re responsible for the checks or money orders you deposit or cash. That’s how the scam works.

Q. How do the scammers find victims?

A. They scan newspaper and online advertisements looking for people listing items for sale or places to rent. They check postings on online job sites from people seeking work-at-home employment and place their own ads with phone numbers or e-mail addresses for people to contact them. They meet people through social networking sites, chat rooms, and other places online. They make phone calls and send faxes, e-mails, or letters to people randomly, knowing that some will take the bait.

Q. How can I tell if an offer is fraudulent?

A. Know the scenario of a fraudulent scheme: No legiti­mate transaction includes overpayment or requires a refund.

n Typically, counterfeit checks and money orders are so realistic-looking that even bank tellers can be fooled. You can get information from money order and check providers with tips to help tell if their products are real.

n The best way to avoid being a victim is to be cau­tious. If it seems too good to be true, it likely is. If the person approaches you and wants to com­plete the transaction in a hurried manner or is pressuring you to do so, reconsider the transac­tion altogether.

Q. Why do scammers want cash to be sent using a money transfer service?

A. Because it’s fast — the money is often available to them within minutes. That means the victim may not be able to stop the payment before it’s received. Since the money is usually picked up in cash and in person, it may be impossible to find the crook and get it back. Some scammers are also instructing victims to send cash using a delivery service. If you suspect you’ve been scammed, immediately contact the money transfer service or delivery service you used — it may be possible to stop the crook from getting the money if it hasn’t been picked up yet.

Q. Why can’t my bank, credit union, or check cashing service tell if the check or money order is good?

A. When you deposit a check or money order, federal law requires you to have access to the funds within 1 to 5 days, but the actual processing takes longer. Banks, credit unions, and check cashing services accept checks and money orders based on your identification. They don’t have any information about the source. Because the check or money order goes back to the source, it can take a while for counterfeits to be discovered. For instance, if a check seems to come from a business account, the business may not learn about it until it appears on the next statement. You’re responsible because you’re in the best posi­tion to determine the risk of accepting the check or money order — you dealt with the person who gave it to you.

Q. What if I deposited or cashed the check or money order but haven’t sent the cash yet?

A. Immediately notify your bank or credit union, or a check cashing service if you used one. You will need to return the money or have your account corrected. Explain that you’ve been scammed and ask not to have any negative action taken against you such as closing your account or reporting you to a checking account abuse database. If that has already hap­pened, ask if that action can be reversed. File a re­port with your local police to put on record that you’re a scam victim. Report the scam to the National Con­sumers League, which will pass the information along to law enforcement agencies.

Q. What if I have already sent the cash?

A. Immediately notify your bank or credit union, or a check cashing service if you used one. You will need to return the money or have your account corrected. Explain that you’ve been scammed and ask not to have any negative action taken against you such as closing your account or reporting you to a checking account abuse database. If that has already hap­pened, ask if that action can be reversed. If there isn’t enough in your account to cover the loss, you could be sued to recover the funds. Try to work out a repayment plan. File a report with your local police to put on record that you’re a scam victim. Report the scam to the National Consumers League, which will pass the information along to law enforcement agencies.

Q. How much could I lose in a fraudulent scheme?

A. According to the National Consumers League, victims lose an average of $4,000 — a significant amount for most people. But your losses could be even higher. If you used some of the money to pay bills or for other purposes, you’ll have to pay that amount back to your bank or credit union as well. There may also be bounced check and overdraft charges as a result of the scam. And you could lose more than money — your account could be closed and it could harm your credit rating. Some victims have even resorted to criminal acts to recoup their losses.

Q. How can I avoid becoming a victim?

A. Think about it — there is no legitimate reason why anyone would give you a check or money order and ask you to send cash anywhere in return. Be aware that just because you can get the cash quickly — usually in 1 to 5 days — doesn’t mean the check or money order is good. Crooks take advantage of the fact that counterfeits can take weeks — even months — to discover. By then you’ve sent the money and have to pay it back to your bank. Only cash a check or money order from a person or business you know or trust. When making any busi­ness deal, do not be rushed:

Take your time to be certain you trust the person/people you are dealing with. You can be a fraud fighter by telling everyone you know — your family and friends, the people with whom you work or go to school, the people who attend your place of worship, the people you chat with online, the members of clubs or other groups to which you belong — to learn the warning signs of fraudulent schemes and know how to prevent becoming a victim. Send them the links to the videos and quizzes on http://postal inspectors.uspis.gov and encourage them to pass along the word.

Suggested Activities

Listed below are suggested activities to highlight the week’s event:

n Have an NCPW kickoff and open house.

n Invite a local expert to speak. A local postal inspector would be perfect, but a representative from a con­sumer advocacy group or an appropriate regulatory body would also be good.

n Invite a bank or credit union official to a sponsored event to talk about what could happen to identity theft victims from the financial institution’s perspective.

n If you can find someone willing to be identified as a victim, invite that person to speak.

n Collaborate with a financial institution to host an event about identity theft and fraudulent schemes.

n Establish a partnership with other federal agencies, community groups, educational institutions, and businesses to sponsor educational workshops or seminars for consumers with special needs.

n Hold a joint news conference with another consumer agency and include a local postal inspector. The postal inspector can discuss fraud and the basics of consumer tools for today’s economy from both a national and community perspective.

n Work with a local postal inspector to inform senior citizens about identity theft and fraudulent schemes. Hold seminars at local retirement communities. Postal inspectors can discuss recent identity theft cases, fraudulent schemes, and steps to prevent older Americans from becoming victims.

n Provide your postal employees with information about NCPW activities planned for your area.

n Set up a booth at a busy shopping area and distrib­ute brochures on fraud prevention and other con­sumer information. Show identity theft and fraud prevention videos (see page 17).

n Let customers know that for 5 consecutive years, the U.S. Postal Service has been named in a national survey as a most trusted government agency in pro­tecting consumers’ privacy. Refer customers to www.usps.com for additional information.

n Hand out consumer publications such as:

n Publication 281, Consumer Fraud by Phone or Mail: Know How to Protect Yourself.

n Publication 300-A, U.S. Postal Inspection Service Guide To Preventing Mail Fraud.

n Publication 370, Extra Services.

n Publication 546, A Consumer’s Guide to Sweep­stakes and Lotteries.

The video drama, Truth or Consequences, produced by the Postal Inspection Service, can be viewed and down­loaded at http://postalinspectors.uspis.gov/pressroom/videos.aspx.

Please work with your Corporate Communications con­tacts to create materials for reporters, including fact sheets and background materials that will support interviews.

Check out the publications at the Postal Service™ PolicyNet website before placing an order. Go to http://blue.usps.gov/cpim and click PUBs.

Publications can also be downloaded from the public website at www.usps.com; click All Products & Services, Publications, and then Postal Periodicals and Publications.

Event Planning Checklist

When planning National Consumer Protection Week events, keep the following suggestions in mind:

n Begin planning early.

n Contact your local postal team — postal inspectors, Corporate Communications managers, Consumer Affairs and claims managers, and Government Rela­tions representatives — to see how they can help support and participate in the fraud prevention events in your city.

n Set a date.

n Secure participants.

n Acquire posters, videos, fact sheets, brochures, and other supplies for the event.

n Secure staging, sound equipment, and a podium.

n Plan signage, including signs and banners.

n Launch a local publicity campaign.

n Draft a sequence-of-events agenda and speaker remarks.

n Plan retail opportunities (i.e., booth, bag stuffers, etc.).

n Prepare ceremony programs and invitations.

Suggested Event Flow/Timed Agenda

Events should be held between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. to increase chances of media coverage and secure patron participation.

10 a.m. Guests arrive and are seated

10:05 to 10:10 a.m. Welcome and opening remarks
(USPS representative)

10:10 to 10:15 a.m. Remarks on local resources to
combat fraud (Partnering
organization, BBB representative)

10:15 to 10:25 a.m. Keynote address/most important
statements
(Highest ranking elected official or
consumer with a fraud story)

10:25 to 10:30 a.m. Closing remarks/reminder to
collect handouts and information
(USPS representative)

Speech Segments to Be Used at Events

Opening/Welcoming Remarks “Survive Today’s Economy: Avoid ID Theft and Fraudulent Schemes”

Good (morning/afternoon/evening).

I am pleased to be with you today to deliver an impor­tant consumer protection message.

For the U.S. Postal Service, customer service and con­sumer protection are year-round priorities.

We are very proud of the fact that Americans have placed their trust in the mail for well over 2 centuries.

In fact, for the last 5 years, Americans have voted the U.S. Postal Service the most trusted government agency for protection of consumers’ privacy.

We take our role in connecting every household and business in the nation through the mail very seriously.

That’s why we’re doing all we can to educate, advise, and encourage consumers to protect themselves by investing in their financial knowledge — because an educated consumer is really the best defense against criminals.

With today’s challenging economy, scammers have doubled their efforts in stealing from American consumers through identity theft and fraudulent financial schemes.

That’s what we’re focusing on today.

The latest complaints relate to counterfeit checks, including cashier’s checks, checks that look like they’re drawn on business accounts, money orders, traveler’s checks, and gift checks.

So when we talk about consumer protection, we under­stand that we are also talking about safeguarding the integ­rity of our national economic system. Fraudulent schemes include reshipping scams, fraud on the Internet, foreign business offers, sudden riches, work-at-home schemes, sweetheart scams, overpayments, and rental schemes.

As always, during National Consumer Protection Week, we have a lot of information to share about fraud. How to recognize it. How to avoid it. And who to contact if your personal identification information has been compromised, to help you investigate suspicious offers you may receive, or to report offers you believe are fraudulent.

As you take the time this year to increase your knowl­edge about identity theft and fraudulent schemes, know that you are securing a foundation for your family and friends to stand on as well.

As you learn about your rights and research issues con­cerning these crimes, you’re making life that much tougher for criminals.

Two out of three adults say they receive at least one potential scam contact per week.

Eighteen percent of adults say they or a family member has fallen for one of these scams. And a majority of people surveyed by the Alliance for Consumer Fraud Awareness believe that perpetrators of fraudulent schemes are responsible for making good on fraudulent checks.

The truth is that even the most educated consumer can be a target when financial pressures mount. And, of course, we are all susceptible to human weakness and the desire to hit it rich or make easy money fast.

That’s when a little support from a friend or family mem­ber can go a long way.

So, all of us need to be educated about fraud, and to share that information with others.

What are some of the more common things to look out for? What are the warning signs of a fraudulent scheme?

n No legitimate transaction includes overpayment or requires a refund.

n Typically, phony checks and money orders are so realistic-looking that even bank tellers can be fooled. You can get information from money order and check providers with tips to help tell if their products are real.

n The best way to avoid being a victim is to be cau­tious. If it seems too good to be true, it likely is. If a person approaches you and wants to complete the transaction in a hurried manner or is pressuring you to do so, reconsider the transaction altogether.

In almost every case, if you exercise judgment and com­mon sense, it is likely you’ll find clues to help you avoid being a victim of a fraudulent scheme. Consumers should also educate themselves to know how to recognize the most common of these schemes.

Take home information today and read it.

Visit www.FakeChecks.org and learn why if the offer looks too good to be true, it probably is. You will find plenty of information on various scenarios of fraudulent schemes: reshipping scams Internet fraud, foreign business offers, sudden riches, work-at-home schemes, sweetheart scams, overpayments, and rental schemes.

There are many forms of fraud. And we can be sure that con artists will continue to devise new ways to defraud the public.

But there is no reason any of us should feel defenseless or become a victim.

Now is the time to make the investment in yourself and family and educate yourselves about identity theft and the schemes that are lurking about, seeking to destroy every­thing you’ve worked so hard to build.

Whatever you do, don’t take this lightly. Don’t think that this can’t happen to you. Don’t think you’re too smart for this kind of thing.

It has happened to the best of us. It can and it does hap­pen to people just like you and me.

So, let’s do all we can to put identity thieves and scam­mers out of business. The only true way to stop these crimes is through increased public awareness, education, vigilance, and aggressive law enforcement.

Do your part and make the most important investment you’ll ever make.

Educate yourself, use your judgment, and whatever you do, don’t be an easy target.

Though identity theft and fraudulent schemes are crimes, the real crime is not knowing what to look out for.

The sooner you invest in your education about these crimes, the better!

The power to beat these fast-growing crimes rests in your hands.

Opening/Welcoming Remarks (Alternative 1)

Good (morning/afternoon/evening):

It’s a pleasure for me to be with you today.

Since 1998, the country has dedicated 1 full week as National Consumer Protection Week (it’s in March this year). It is a time when government agencies, consumer protection groups, and industry associations join together across the country to put a spotlight on how consumers can protect their interests and avoid fraud.

The Postal Service and the Postal Inspection Service are pleased to be members of the National Steering Com­mittee helping to lead the effort this year.

For over 200 years, postal inspectors have been fighting fraud, protecting the mail, and working on behalf of the American people to promote the honesty and integrity of the American marketplace.

And in 1971, the office of the Consumer Advocate was established within the Postal Service to ensure that the interest of the American consumer would be a guiding light in the development and delivery of mail service to the nation.

Today, all of us in the Postal Service take the opportu­nity of National Consumer Protection Week to thank all our customers for their business — it is a pleasure to serve you.

And as National Consumer Protection Week implies, we take this time to remind everyone that consumer fraud exists and that there are simple principles that consumers can employ to protect themselves from becoming victims of fraud.

This year we’re concentrating on problems that many, many Americans have seen firsthand in the past few years — identity theft and fraudulent schemes. And in today’s challenging economy, it’s not getting any better.

Thousands of us have had our personal identification information compromised. Others are approached online, by phone or via the mail to make business or personal arrangements with someone sight unseen, and that some­one wants to consummate the arrangement with a check. But for one reason or another, all or part of the check needs to be wired back.

We want you to learn about identity theft and fraudulent schemes. Knowing about these crimes could keep you from losing thousands of dollars. The sooner you educate yourself and your loved ones about these crimes, the better!

Here to tell us more about these types of fraud is _________________.

Opening/Welcoming Remarks (Alternative 2)

Good (morning/afternoon/evening):

It’s a pleasure to be here today. I thank all of you for coming out.

The United States Postal Service is part of the fabric of America. We trace our roots to 1775 and Ben Franklin.

Throughout the history of our nation, the Postal Service has been a partner in the progress of the American people. And as our country has grown and been transformed over the years, so has the Postal Service.

We carry 46 percent of the world’s card and letter mail volume, are the nation’s second largest employer, have 34,000 facilities, and process 670 million mailpieces each day.

And today, we are transforming our business to make it quick, easy, and convenient for customers to do business with us — over the Internet, over the phone, or over the counter in the Post Office.

However, the one thing that has never changed is our focus on service to our nation, to our communities, and to each and every customer.

It is because of this historic relationship that we have the honor to lead in a nationwide effort of great importance.

National Consumer Protection Week 2009 lasts only 7 days. However, we hope and believe that the basic mes­sage we deliver today can last a lifetime.

The Postal Service has been given the unique mission to bind the nation together through the correspondence, communications, and commerce that are delivered through the mail.

With the support of friends and family, common sense, consumer education, and the resources of the local com­munity behind them, all Americans can protect themselves from fraud and benefit from the genuine opportunities that America has to offer.

This year we focus our attention on identity theft and on financial schemes you would never fall for in person — that’s why many of them occur online. Someone offers you a work-at-home job opportunity reshipping merchandise, wants to give you a sweepstake prize, or wants to pay for something you advertised for sale or for rent. All of these scenarios ultimately lead to you getting one or more checks to cash for the fraudster, provided you quickly wire some or all of that check back. Knowing about these various schemes could save you thousands of dollars.

Though identity theft and fraudulent schemes are crimes, the real crime is not knowing what to look out for.

The sooner you invest in your education about these crimes, the better.

Joining us now to share information about protecting yourself against these crimes is _____________________.

Opening/Welcoming Remarks (Alternative 3)

This option includes introductions of other speakers

Good (morning/afternoon/evening):

Thank you for joining us.

It’s a pleasure to be with you as the nation celebrates National Consumer Protection Week. Our theme this year is “Survive Today’s Economy: Avoid ID Theft and Fraudu­lent Schemes.”

We have a great message to deliver today, some impor­tant information to share, and some very special guests.

We are very lucky to have with us:

(The highest ranking official always speaks first or last. In the case of elected officials, especially congressional mem­bers, they usually prefer to speak last.)

n (Name) … (Title) … (brief comment possibly) (e.g., Rob Roberts, legislative aide for Representative John Smith, with a timely message of support).

n Mayor (Name), who will speak about resources and support available to local citizens).

n (Name), National Consumers League representative, sharing (his/her) insights on how consumers can combat fraud.

n And, Postal Inspector (name) will share (his/her) experience with us.

Also, we have a very interesting video on how fraudulent schemes can happen — which you can watch today — and information on other types of fraud. So make sure you have that information before you leave.

Our first speaker is …

Remarks of Postal Service Representative (Alternative 1)

Although con artists can be very clever, and their con games can be very convincing, consumers are not — or at least, should not — be defenseless.

First, and foremost, we all need to use common sense. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. If something doesn’t feel right, we probably should investi­gate more.

For example, why would anyone pay money to receive a free prize? Or how is it possible that someone could really believe an e-mail that says you’ve just won a foreign lottery?

And we must always be on guard for any request for personal information — whether it is a Social Security num­ber, a PIN, or checking account information. You wouldn’t give a stranger the keys to your home — why give them the keys to your personal life?

But people do it.

So remember: if it smells fishy, you are probably the one on the wrong side of the pole. Don’t bite.

Take advantage of the free information that is available. Read the brochures we have here today. Go online to www.FakeChecks.org. The information is there.

Remarks of Postal Service Representative (Alternative 2)

In this speech, name the six scenarios, but choose one scenario to highlight in your remarks. The other scenarios could be used as support in an interview.

Every year, thousands of consumers are victimized by fraud. If you take their bait and put a check into your bank account, then wire that money out before the check clears, you will be on the hook to your bank for that money. My goal today is to tell you about some of the leading types of identity theft and fraudulent schemes. I want you and your family to be able to identify fraud before you fall victim to it.

If you follow our tips, and leave your money where it is, you’ll recognize when something sounds too good to be true, and really is just that.

According to the National Consumers League, victims of fraudulent schemes lose an average of $4,000. In addi­tion, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI’s) Internet Crime Complaint Center, the amount of reported losses from fraudulent schemes quadrupled in 3 years.

Though there are various fraudulent schemes, a com­mon theme exists in all of them: Just because a deposited check shows up as “funds available” in your account reg­ister, it doesn’t mean the check is good or has cleared. Federal law gives consumers the right to have quick access to the funds from deposited checks (usually within 1 to 5 days). However, it can take weeks for counterfeits to be discovered.

Remember, you will be responsible for all fees associ­ated with a counterfeit check.

The main thing to remember when it comes to fraudu­lent schemes is this — no one who wants to give you money should ask you to send them money.

Fraudulent schemes generally fall into one of the follow­ing scenarios: reshipping scams, fraud on the Internet, for­eign business offers, sudden riches, work-at-home schemes, love losses, overpayments, and rental schemes.

Suggested Information to Highlight in Speech Segments

Reshipping Scams

Have you been asked to receive packages at your home or business and mail them to someone else? Postal inspec­tors advice: Don’t do it!

Criminals use a variety of come-ons to trick people into reshipping fraud. They may even send counterfeit mailing labels to their recruits as a part of the scheme. The U.S. Postal Service returns packages with invalid postage.

See if you recognize one of these reshipping scenarios:

Work-at-Home Scams

Criminals post phony job announcements on Internet career sites offering positions such as “merchandising manager,” “package processing assistant,” or a similar title. Job duties include receiving packages and mailing them to a foreign address on behalf of a client. They may even send you postage-paid mailing labels.

The real story: A criminal has purchased merchandise with stolen credit cards and needs your help to smuggle the goods out of the country. The company is fake — even the mailing labels are counterfeit. And you are committing a felony when you help out these criminals.

Sweetheart Scams

Fraudulent reshippers also lurk on dating websites. They send a few e-mails to get to know you, and may even send a photo or flowers. Once they have your attention, they ask you to help their business or family by shipping packages to Europe or Africa. They may even claim to be working with a charity or mission, and request help in get­ting “donated” merchandise delivered to Africa or another part of the world.

The real story: You’re being asked to commit a crime by smuggling stolen goods. The photo may look like your per­fect match, but it’s a fake — and could be the picture of your worst nightmare.

Postage-Paid Label Scams

Scammers sometimes buy merchandise on Internet auction or classified advertisement sites (and they often use counterfeit checks or stolen credit accounts to pay.) When they contact the seller, they ask if they can provide a postage-paid shipping label instead of paying for postage. Then they e-mail a label that looks legitimate.

The real story: The label is counterfeit or it was bought using a stolen credit card. When postal inspectors or other law enforcement officers follow the clues to the return address, it often leads to an unsuspecting victim of a postage-paid label scam. Too often, the victim tells how the payment for the merchandise bounced too.

USPS Click-N-Ship customers will want to make special note of this scheme.

What should you do if you’ve been tricked into reship­ping fraud?

n Don’t accept packages at your address for people you don’t know.

n Be wary of anyone asking to send you a mailing label purchased online.

n Stop all communication with operators who try to solicit your help in reshipping items.

n If you already have merchandise from such an offer, don’t mail it.

n Keep all correspondence (e-mails, faxes, etc.) related to these scams.

n Contact postal inspectors at 877-876-2455.

Fraud on the Internet

Old games, new tricks. Con artists are always offering deals that sound “too good to be true.” Originally, they came by mail or a phone call. Now they’re coming through a more anonymous venue to pitch fraud — the Internet.

Although the Internet offers a safe and convenient venue to do business, fraudsters also like the Internet — to target unsuspecting consumers.

Online scammers can ignore national borders or bound­aries. They have only one objective: to steal your money. Whether it’s auction fraud or identity theft, reshipping scams or foreign lotteries, be cautious, and be smart.

U.S. postal inspectors offer these tips:

n Be suspicious of e-mail that appears to be from banks, online auction sites, or other retailers.

n Never use a link in an e-mail to visit a website.

n Only purchase goods and services from sites you trust.

n Examine all online offers before buying anything. When you’re online, be on guard. Don’t respond to suspicious e-mail and mail, and hang up on phone offers that sound “too good to be true.”

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service has these consumer brochures to help you learn more about fraud concerns:

Identity Theft
Publication 280 text-only version, www.usps.com/cpim/ftp/pubs/pub280/welcome.htm

Consumer Fraud By Phone or Mail
Publication 281 text-only version, www.usps.com/cpim/ftp/pubs/pub281.htm

Consumer & Business Guide to Preventing Mail Fraud
Publication 300-A text-only version, www.usps.com/cpim/ftp/pubs/pub300a/welcome.htm

Prevención del Fraude Postal Prevención del Fraude Postal
Publicacion 300-A-S text-only version, www.usps.com/cpim/ftp/pubs/pub300as.htm

Stop • Think • Click: An Overview of Computer Security
The Internet gives you access to information, entertain­ment, financial offers — frankly, countless products and services. At the same time, it can leave you open to online scammers, identity thieves, and more. Learn experts’ top tips for computer security, http://www.onguardonline.gov/.

For more information on Internet fraud, visit www.lookstoo goodtobetrue.com

Foreign Business Offers

The potential victim receives an e-mail from a supposed foreign official, businessman, etc., with a proposal. The sender wants to move large sums of money from a foreign country and needs assistance. The victim is usually offered a portion of the proceeds. If the victim agrees, he usually receives checks for large sums of money in the mail. The victim deposits the checks into his bank account and the funds are posted to the account and shown as “available.”

The fraudster wishes to send more money to the victim but quickly needs a portion of it returned in order to sup­posedly bribe an official, pay transfer fees, etc. The victim believes the previously deposited checks were genuine because the funds show as “available” in his bank account, so he honors the request and wires a portion of the funds back to the fraudster. The original deposited checks are returned as counterfeit and the victim is then held respon­sible for the loss and associated fees.

Sudden Riches

The potential victim receives a letter stating he has the right to receive a substantial sum of money. For example, the letter may say that the potential victim has won a for­eign lottery or is the beneficiary of someone’s estate, such as that of a long-lost relative. The letter will inform the vic­tim that he must pay a processing or transfer fee before receiving the money. However, a check or money order is enclosed to cover the required fee. The letter will ask the victim to deposit the check or money order into his bank account and wire the fee to a third party, usually in a foreign country.

No legitimate contest promoter will ever ask for money to be paid upfront in order to send out a prize. It’s also wise to ask yourself whether you even entered the contest in the first place.

Overpayments

A scammer offers overpayments on items that a con­sumer advertised in the classifieds or on an online auction. The scammer sends the seller a check or money order for more than the purchase price and then asks that the extra money be sent to someone who will take care of shipping.

In another scenario, scam artists say that a check or money order payment will come from someone who owes them money and tell the victim to deduct his/her share and send the rest. They may claim they’re in a foreign country and that because of currency differences it’s difficult to make payment directly.

Consumers who buy and sell on craigslist should make special note of this scheme.

There’s no reason to have someone else send payment.

Scammers sometimes claim they sent the wrong amount “by mistake” and ask victims to return the excess. Legitimate buyers will be happy to send the exact amount you’re owed.

Remarks to Close the Event (Alternative 1)

Thank you (last speaker).

As you have seen and heard today, fraud comes in many forms and every one of us can be a target — young and old, rich or poor. But we never have to face the prob­lem alone. Our families and our friends are potent allies who can bring considerable experience and perspective to the fight against fraud.

And as we have made clear today, there are top-notch people in the Postal Inspection Service and in state, local, and federal agencies who are out there fighting fraud and bringing these criminals to justice.

The first and best line of defense is you, the educated consumer. Learn to recognize fraud. Understand the resources that are out there to help you. And watch out for family members, especially those who might be vulnerable for one reason or another. Together, we can stop fraud cold.

And that’s what National Consumer Protection Week is all about.

So, let’s do all that we can to put the scammers out of business. The only true way to stop identity theft and fraud­ulent schemes is through increased public awareness, education, vigilance, and aggressive law enforcement.

Do your part and make the most important investment you’ll ever make.

Educate yourself, use your judgment, and whatever you do, don’t be an easy target.

Though identity theft and fraudulent schemes crimes, the real crime is not knowing what to look out for.

The sooner you invest in your education about these crimes, the better!

The power to beat these fast-growing crimes rests in your hands.

And at your fingertips. Just type in www.Fake Checks.org on your laptop or home computer for more detailed information, get the phone number to report fraud, and find tools for today’s economy.

Thanks for coming. Please remember to pick up the resource materials before leaving today.

Remarks to Close the Event (Alternative 2)

Thank you (last speaker)

Ladies and gentlemen, that concludes our program. I want to thank each of our speakers for joining us today and for sharing valuable information and insights on how each of us can fight fraud.

I invite you to stay a while and talk informally with our guest speakers. In addition, don’t forget to check out the literature we have. And remember that more information is available online at http://postalinspectors.uspis.gov/.

Information also is available at www.FakeChecks.org, including phone numbers to report fraud and materials you can share with your friends and family.

Thank you.

Remarks for Post Office Events

Good (morning/afternoon/evening).

I am pleased to be with you today to deliver an impor­tant consumer protection message.

For the U.S. Postal Service, customer service and con­sumer protection are year-round priorities.

We are very proud of the fact that Americans have placed their trust in the mail for well over 2 centuries.

In fact, for the last 5 years, Americans have voted the U.S. Postal Service the No. 1 government agency for con­sumer trust and the protection of privacy.

As always, during National Consumer Protection Week, we have a lot of information to share about fraud.

How to recognize it. How to avoid it. And who to contact to help you investigate offers you may receive or to report offers that you believe are fraudulent.

As you take the time this year to spruce up on your knowledge about identity theft and fraudulent schemes, know that you are securing a foundation for your family and friends to stand on as well. As you learn about your rights and research issues concerning fraud, you’re making it that much tougher for criminals.

Two out of three adults say they receive at least one potential scam contact per week.

Eighteen percent of adults say they or family members have fallen for one of these scams. And a majority of people surveyed by the Alliance for Consumer Fraud Awareness believe that a counterfeit check writer is responsible for the funds.

The truth is that even the most educated consumer can be a tempting target when financial pressures mount.

And, of course, we are all susceptible to human weak­ness and the desire to hit it rich or make easy money fast.

That’s when a little support from a friend or family mem­ber can go a long way.

So all of us need to be educated about fraud and to share that information with others. Here’s some informa­tion on identity theft and fraudulent schemes for you to take home today and read.

Visit www.FakeChecks.org and learn why if the offer looks too good to be true, it probably is. Do your part and make the most important investment you’ll ever make.

Educate yourself, use your judgment, and whatever you do, don’t be an easy target.

Though identity theft and fraudulent schemes are crimes, the real crime is not knowing what to look out for. The sooner you invest in your education about these crimes, the better!

The power to beat this fast-growing fraud rests in your hands.

# # # 

National Consumer Protection Week Downloadable Posters

Poster #1: http://postalinspectors.uspis.gov/radDocs/idposter.pdf

Poster #2: http://postalinspectors.uspis.gov/radDocs/consumer/dial4eng.pdf

National Consumer Protection Week Downloadable Fraud Prevention Videos

https://postalinspectors.uspis.gov/pressroom/videos.aspx

Truth or Consequences: Fake Check Scams
Mixed in with the bills, you get a surprise — it’s a big check made out to you. It looks real, but is it? Before you cash that check, ask one simple question: Is it free money or a short­cut to big trouble? It looks like a real check, but is it? These days, the scammers are getting better and the scams more elaborate. Their fake checks and money orders are so good, they could fool your bank. It’s harder and harder to know if the next big offer you receive is real or yet another scam designed to empty your pockets.

All the King’s Men: Picking Up the Pieces
Fraud schemes victimize millions of Americans each year, leaving many financially devastated. There are laws to pro­tect victims and services and support available to them. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service urges victims to learn more about their rights and services by downloading our free video. Remember, being a victim of a crime is nothing to be ashamed of. And neither is seeking help to recover from it.

Nowhere to Run: Cross-Border Fraud
The Internet and international phone calls make it easy for fraudsters to work from anywhere in the world. This video illustrates how U.S. postal inspectors created task forces with Canadian law enforcement partners to stop “long dis­tance” scams.

Web of Deceit: Internet Fraud
Internet scams are like old wine in new bottles. Telemarket­ing and mail fraud scams are now coming to you from cyberspace. This video tells the story of a scammer who uses the Internet to victimize unsuspecting consumers around the world until he gets caught in his own web of deceit. The video also provides tips on what to watch out for when you do business on the Internet.

Long Shot: Foreign Lottery Scams
It’s illegal to play foreign lotteries in the United States. But another reason not to play is that you are almost guaran­teed to lose. And once you play, you can count on receiving more “chances” to play and lose. This free video tells the story of a foreign lottery fraud victim and the con artist behind the scam. Produced by High Noon Film and presented by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, it also provides tips on helping you avoid becoming a victim of this scam.

Work-at-Home Scams: They Just Don’t Pay
Working at home has become attractive to many stay-at-home moms, college students, and retirees. While some jobs are legitimate, others just don’t deliver on their prom­ises. This free, short video tells the story of a new type of work-at-home scam and how a young mother gets caught up in it. It also provides tips on how you can avoid being duped by criminals and what to do if you’ve been victim­ized. This High Noon video is presented by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.

Identity Crisis: Protect Your Identity
Identity fraud is the fastest-growing crime in America. With millions of victims and losses in the billions of dollars, it continues to be one of consumers’ biggest fears. This free video tells the story of a couple whose credit is ruined and of the criminals who defrauded them. The video by High Noon Film, presented by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, also provides tips on how to protect yourself against identity fraud — and what to do if you become a victim.

Dialing for Dollars: Telemarketing Fraud
Telemarketing fraud costs Americans millions of dollars each year. And when it comes to phony investment “oppor­tunities,” older Americans are prime targets. This free, 15–minute video tells the story of such a scam and the lives that are ruined by criminals. The film provides tips on how to protect yourself from investment fraud, and tells you what to do if you’ve been victimized. “Dialing for Dollars” is a High Noon video presented by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.

Postal Service Brochure Ordering Information

Postal Service publications make perfect handouts for customers during NCPW. They also are good resources for postmasters and managers when preparing for the week’s events.

You can order these publications from the Material Dis­tribution Center (MDC) by using touch-tone order entry (TTOE): Call 800-273-1509.

Note: You must be registered to use TTOE. To register, call 800-332-0317, option 1, extension 2925, and follow the prompts to leave a message. (Wait 48 hours after register­ing before placing your first order.)

Use the following information to order these publications:

 

Title	PSIN	PSIN	Quick Pick Number	Unit	Price	Min. Order	Bulk Pack
USPIS Guide to Preventing Mail Fraud	PUB 300-A	7610-04-000-6949	426	EA	$0.2782	25	300
Consumer Fraud by Phone or Mail: Know How to Protect Yourself	PUB 281	7610-02-000-9388	641	EA	$0.0420	100	1,000
A Consumer’s Guide to Sweepstakes and Lotteries	PUB 546	7610-03-000-4600	465	EA	$0.1200	50	800

Proclamation: NCPW 2009

This proclamation can be adapted to reflect local com­munity information and displayed at NCPW events as a vis­ible display of a community’s commitment to promoting National Consumer Protection Week.

Whereas National Consumer Protection Week was established in 1998 by representatives of federal, state, and local governments as well as national advocacy groups as a means to highlight consumer protection,

Whereas the Postmaster General established the office of the Consumer Advocate in 1971 to ensure that the inter­ests of consumers would serve to guide the development, progress, and actions of the United States Postal Service,

Whereas Postal inspectors have safeguarded the sanc­tity of the U.S. Mail and protected Postal Service custom­ers for more than 180 years, combating crimes such as robberies, mail theft, and fraud,

Whereas consumer fraud is detrimental to the economic interests of the nation and the well-being of its citizens,

Whereas fraud is destructive not only to individuals but to families, threatening their livelihoods, endangering their retirements, and attacking their household security,

Whereas fraud of all kinds frequently depends for its success upon the compliance and participation of its victims,

Whereas by its very nature fraud can be reduced and often eliminated by consumers who are educated and use common sense,

Whereas the national theme for this year is “Nuts and Bolts: Tools for Today’s Economy,”

Whereas the focus of our efforts is on identity theft and fraudulent schemes,

And, whereas the (name of local city, municipality, etc.) is home to (more than X thousand) men, women, and chil­dren who depend on an open, honest, safe, and secure marketplace to conduct commerce and earn a living,

Resolved, that (local community or organization)

(1) Supports National Consumer Protection Week

(2) Joins with the U.S. Postal Service and the Postal Inspection Service to educate consumers on how to recognize and avoid identity theft and fraudulent schemes

(3) And, declares (day of event) as Consumer Awareness Day.

Congressional State/Manager/Representatives

To dial extension, please use area code and prefix (202) 268-xxxx.

 

State	Manager	Extension	Representative	Extension
Alabama	Mitch King	3740	Laurie Solnik	3743
Alaska	Mary Ann Simpson	3741	Linda Macasa	3750
American Samoa	Mary Ann Simpson	3741	Linda Macasa	3750
Arizona	Cathy Pagano	3427	Mico Milanovic	7217
Arkansas	Cathy Pagano	3427	Polly Gibbs	4387
California	Mary Ann Simpson	3741	Linda Macasa	3750
Colorado	Cathy Pagano	3427	Mico Milanovic	7217
Connecticut	Ken Currier	3616	Jo Waterman	6748
Delaware	Ken Currier	3616	Jo Waterman	6748
District of Columbia	Mitch King	3740	Jim Cari	6029
Florida	Mitch King	3740	Laurie Solnik	3743
Georgia	Mary Ann Simpson	3741	Linda Macasa	3750
Guam	Mary Ann Simpson	3741	Linda Macasa	3750
Hawaii	Mary Ann Simpson	3741	Linda Macasa	3750
Idaho	Mary Ann Simpson	3741	Linda Macasa	3750
Illinois	Sheila Meyers	2353	Talaya Simpson	7839
Indiana	Sheila Meyers	2353	Sheryl Bonifer	7505
Iowa	Sheila Meyers	2353	Sheryl Bonifer	7505
Kansas	Cathy Pagano	3427	Mico Milanovic	7217
Kentucky	Mitch King	3740	Laurie Solnik	3743
Louisiana	Cathy Pagano	3427	Polly Gibbs	4387
Maine	Ken Currier	3616	Kathy Sitterle	6027
Maryland	Mitch King	3740	Jim Cari	6029
Massachusetts	Ken Currier	3616	Jo Waterman	6748
Michigan	Sheila Meyers	2353	Talaya Simpson	7839
Minnesota	Sheila Meyers	2353	Sheryl Bonifer	7505
Mississippi	Mitch King	3740	Laurie Solnik	3743
Missouri	Sheila Meyers	2353	Sheryl Bonifer	7505
Montana	Mary Ann Simpson	3741	Linda Macasa	3750
Nebraska	Cathy Pagano	3427	Mico Milanovic	7217
Nevada	Mary Ann Simpson	3741	Linda Macasa	3750
New Hampshire	Ken Currier	3616	Jo Waterman	6748
New Jersey	Ken Currier	3616	Jo Waterman	6748
New Mexico	Cathy Pagano	3427	Mico Milanovic	7217
New York	Ken Currier	3616	Kathy Sitterle	6027
North Carolina	Mary Ann Simpson	3741	Linda Macasa	3750
North Dakota	Sheila Meyers	2353	Sheryl Bonifer	7505
Ohio	Mitch King	3740	Jim Cari	6029
Oklahoma	Cathy Pagano	3427	Polly Gibbs	4387
Oregon	Mary Ann Simpson	3741	Linda Macasa	3750
Pennsylvania	Mitch King	3740	Laurie Solnik	3743
Puerto Rico	Ken Currier	3616	Kathy Sitterle	6027
Rhode Island	Ken Currier	3616	Jo Waterman	6748
South Carolina	Mary Ann Simpson	3741	Linda Macasa	3750
South Dakota	Sheila Meyers	2353	Sheryl Bonifer	7505
Tennessee	Mary Ann Simpson	3741	Linda Macasa	3750
Texas	Cathy Pagano	3427	Polly Gibbs	4387
Utah	Cathy Pagano	3427	Mico Milanovic	7217
Vermont	Ken Currier	3616	Kathy Sitterle	6027
Virgin Islands	Ken Currier	3616	Kathy Sitterle	6027
Virginia	Mitch King	3740	Jim Cari	6029
Washington	Mary Ann Simpson	3741	Linda Macasa	3750
West Virginia	Mitch King	3740	Jim Cari	6029
Wisconsin	Sheila Meyers	2353	Talaya Simpson	7839
Wyoming	Cathy Pagano	3427	Mico Milanovic	7217

Corporate Communications Managers

 

Name	Function	Office Telephone	E-mail Address
Joanne Veto	Public Relations & Promotional Communications, Headquarters	202-268-3118	joanne.m.veto@usps.gov
Gerry McKiernan	Media Relations, Headquarters	202-268-2599	gerald.j.mckiernan@usps.gov
Connie Totten-Oldham	Strategic Communications & Integration, Headquarters	202-268-3276	connie.totten-oldham@usps.gov
Roy Betts	Community Relations, Headquarters	202-268-3207	roy.a.betts@usps.gov
Helen Skillman	Internal Communications, Headquarters	202-268-6712	helen.j.skillman@usps.gov
Nick Sucich	USPS-TV, Headquarters,	202-268-5178	nicholas.j.sucich@usps.gov
Irene Lericos	Field Communications, Headquarters	202-268-7650	irene.a.lericos@usps.gov
Thad Dilley	Brand Equity & Design, Headquarters	202-268-2194	thad.e.dilley@usps.gov
Kevin Coleman	Information Policies & Procedures, Headquarters	703-292-3962	kevin.j.coleman@usps.gov
Earl Artis	A/Southwest Area	214-819-8748	earl.c.artis@usps.gov
Larry Dingman	Southeast Area	901-747-7544	larry.d.dingman@usps.gov
Monica Hand	New York Metro Area	212-330-5139	monica.a.hand@usps.gov
Debra Hawkins	Northeast Area	860-285-7265	debra.a.hawkins@usps.gov
Jim Mruk	Great Lakes Area	630-539-6565	james.a.mruk@usps.gov
Teresa Rudkin	Western Area	303-313-5130	teresa.rudkin@usps.gov
Don Smeraldi	Pacific Area	858-674-3149	don.a.smeraldi@usps.gov
Paul Smith	Eastern Area	215-931-5054	paul.f.smith@usps.gov
Deborah Yackley	Capital Metro Area	301-548-1465	deborah.a.yackley@usps.gov

See also http://www.usps.com/communications/newsroom/mediacontacts.htm for more contacts.

Postal Inspection Service Contacts

 

Area	Field Office	Name and Address	Office Phone
Northeast	Boston	Kenneth Walker 495 Summer St., Ste. 600 Boston, MA 02210-2114	617-556-0494
	Buffalo	Raymond Williams 1200 Main Place Tower Buffalo, NY 14202-3796	716-853-5332
NY Metro	New York	Al Weissmann PO Box 555 New York, NY 10116-0555	212-330-2270
	Newark	Ed Steed PO Box 11950 New Brunswick, NJ 08906-1950	732-819-3237
	San Juan	Eliezer Julian PO Box 363667 San Juan, PR 00936-3667	787-749-7654
Eastern	Pittsburgh	Andrew Richards 1001 California Ave., Rm. 2101 Pittsburgh, PA 15290-9000	412-359-7932
	Cleveland	Terrence Sullivan PO Box 5726 Cleveland, OH 44101-0726	216-443-4022
	Cincinnati	Lisa Fitzpatrick 895 Central Ave., Ste. 400 Cincinnati, OH 45202-1961	513-684-8038
	Charleston, WV	Cathy Cantley PO Box 1308 Charleston, WV 25325-1308	304-357-4136
	Lexington	Roberta Bottoms PO Box 11710 Lexington, KY 40577-1710	859-231-6781
	Philadelphia	Reginald Wade 333 E. City Line Avenue, 2nd Flr. Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004	610-668-4524
	Harrisburg	Lawrence Dukes PO Box 60035 Harrisburg, PA 17106-0035	717-257-2338
	Wilmington, DE	Yvette Thomas PO Box 10607 Wilmington, DE 19850	302-323-3765
Cap Metro	DC/Balt/No Va.	Jervey Rodgers 10500 Little Patuxent Pkwy., 2nd Flr. Columbia, MD 21044-3509	410-715-7726
	Charlotte	Justin Crooks PO Box 3000 Charlotte, NC 28228-3000	704-329-9131
	Charleston SC	Tom Gasser PO Box 40307 Charleston, SC 29423-0307	843-760-5441
	Columbia	John Galvin PO Box 1796 Columbia, SC 29202-1796	803-733-4637
Southeast	Atlanta	Yulanda Burns PO Box 16489 Atlanta, GA 30321-0489	404-608-4533
	Birmingham	Tony Robinson PO Box 381388 Birmingham, AL 35238-1388	205-326-2908
	Memphis	Katrina Chalmers 161 E. GE Patterson Ave. Memphis, TN 38103-9395	901-746-1024
	Miami	Delfin Alvarez 3400 Lakeside Dr., 6th Flr. Miramar, FL 33027-3242	954-436-7218
	Tampa	Douglas Smith PO Box 22526 Tampa, FL 33622-2526	813-281-5228
	Orlando	Ed Moffitt PO Box 620124 Orlando, FL 32862-0124	407-850-6391
Great Lakes	Chicago	Phil Steele 433 W Harrison Chicago, IL 60669-2201	312-983-7937
	Milwaukee	Lori Groen PO Box 788 Milwaukee, WI 53201-0788	414-287-2225
	St. Louis	Dan Taylor 1106 Walnut St. St. Louis, MO 63199-2201	314-539-9342
	Detroit	Wylie Christopher PO Box 330119 Detroit, MI 48232-6119	313-337-2187
	Grand Rapids	Jane Anderson PO Box 2245 Grand Rapids, MI 49501-2245	616-771-8527
	Indianapolis	Laura Carter 7188 Lakeview Pkwy. W. Dr. Indianapolis, IN 46268-4104	317-328-2515
Western	Denver	Richard Sheehan II 1745 Stout St., Ste. 900 Denver, CO 80202-3034	303-313-5335
	Omaha	Dave Margritz PO Box 249550 Omaha, NE 68124-9550	402-392-8925
	Minneapolis	Jeffery Long PO Box 580051 Minneapolis, MN 55458-0051	612-349-4703
	Des Moines	Sam Owens PO Box 566 Des Moines, IA 50302-0566	515-253-2683
	Kansas City	Donald Obritsch 6201 College Blvd., Ste. 400 Overland Park, KS 66211-2435	913-266-2443
	Phoenix	Patricia A. Armstrong PO Box 20666 Phoenix, AZ 85036-0666	602-223-3269
	Salt Lake City	Randy Tuckett PO Box 26065 Salt Lake City, UT 84126-0065	801-974-2274
	Seattle	Kimalie Hollomon PO Box 400 Seattle, WA 98111-4000	206-442-6336
	Spokane	Randy Griffin PO Box 1464 Spokane, WA 99210-1464	509-838-0257
	Portland	Dennis Fernald 921 S.W. Washington, Ste. 790 Portland, OR 97205-2898	503-279-2072
	Anchorage	Andrea Avery 341 W. Tudor Rd., Ste. 208 Anchorage, AK 99503-6648	907-261-6326
Southwest	Dallas/Ft Worth	Amanda McMurrey 14800 Trinity Blvd., Ste. 600 Fort Worth, TX 76155-2675	817-359-2797
	Little Rock	Daniel Medrano PO Box 15058 Little Rock, AR 72231-5058	501-945-6717
	Albuquerque	Wayne Palomar PO Box 25905 Albuquerque, NM 87125-0905	505-346-8493
	Houston	Manuella Bakker 650 N. Sam Houston Pkwy. W. Houston, TX 77067-9000	713-238-4484
	New Orleans	William Bonney PO Box 51690 New Orleans, LA 70151-1690	504-589-1205
	McAllen	Michael Martinez Partida PO Box 5129 McAllen, TX 78502-5129	956-971-1724
Pacific	Los Angeles	Renee Focht PO Box 2000 Pasadena, CA 91102-2000	626-405-1285
	San Diego	Rick Vida PO Box 122110 San Diego, CA 92112-2110	619-531-8213
	San Francisco	Hillary Smith PO Box 882528 San Francisco, CA 94188-2528	415-778-5941

Area Consumer Affairs Managers and Customer Service Program Specialists

 

District/Area	Name	Hotline	Address	ZIP Codes Served
Capital Metro Area	Grove LeTarte (A)	301-548-1468	16501 Shady Grove Rd. Gaithersburg, MD 20898-3209	Baltimore, Capital, Greater South Carolina, Greensboro, Mid-Carolinas, Northern Virginia, Richmond
Baltimore	Renee Morant (A)	410-347-4669	900 E. Fayette St., Rm. 109C Baltimore, MD 21223-9631	210, 211, 212, 214, 215, 216, 217, 218, 219
Capital	Deborah Calloway (A)	202-636-1314	900 Brentwood Rd., NE Washington, DC 20066-9998	200, 202, 203, 204, 205, 206, 207, 208, 209
Greater South Carolina	Deborah Felder (A)	803-926-6389 / 6335	PO Box 929632 Columbia, SC 29292-9632	290-296
Greensboro	Cathel Brown	336-668-1235	PO Box 27499 Greensboro, NC 27498-9631	270-279, 286
Mid- Carolinas	Kathryn Kerzner	704-424-4422	2901 Scott Futrell Dr. Charlotte, NC 28228-9976	280-285, 287-289, 297
Northern Virginia	Chatika “Tika” Copeland	703-698-6563	8409 Lee Hwy. Merrifield, VA 22081-9631	201, 220-223, 226, 227
Richmond	Tyra Roberts	804-775-6165	1801 Brook Rd. Richmond, VA 23232-9631	224, 225, 228-239, 244
Eastern Area	Max Raizada	412-494-2504	5315 Campbells Run Rd. Pittsburgh, PA 60117-4000	Appalachian, Cincinnati, Columbus, Central PA, Kentuckiana, Philadelphia Metro, Northern Ohio, Pittsburgh, South Jersey
Appalachian	Cynthia Coles	304-561-1071 / 73	PO Box 59631 Charleston, WV 25350-9631	240-259, 261-268
Central Pennsylvania	Marita Hines	717-257-4803	1425 Crooked Hill Rd. Harrisburg, PA 17107-9631	169-188, 195, 196
Cincinnati	Bonni Manies	513-684-5794	1591 Dalton St., Rm. 108 Cincinnati, OH 45234-9631	410, 434-436, 450-455, 458, 470
Columbus	Linda Lantto	614-722-9758	850 Twin Rivers Dr. Columbus, OH 43216-9631	430-433, 437, 438, 456, 457
Erie	Sandra Jones (A)	814-836-7360	2709 Legion Rd. Erie, PA 16515-9621	155, 157-168
Kentuckiana	Cathy Snyder	502-473-4220 / 21	PO Box 31631 Louisville, KY 40231-9631	400-409, 411-418, 420-427, 471, 476, 477
Northern Ohio	Vanessa Hutchinson	216-443-4416	2400 Orange Dr., Rm. 25 Cleveland, OH 44101-9631	439, 440, 441, 442, 443, 444, 445, 446, 447, 448, 449
Philadelphia Metro	Regina Foster-Carter	215-863-6060	3190 S. 70th St., Rm. 503 Philadelphia, PA 19153-9631	189, 190, 191, 192, 193, 194
Pittsburgh	Betty Gordon (A)	412-359-7845	1001 California Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15290-9631	150, 151, 152, 153, 154, 156, 260
South Jersey	Cathy Sinesi	856-933-4459	PO Box 9001 Bellmawr, NJ 08099-9631	080, 081, 082, 083, 084, 197, 198, 199
Great Lakes Area	Susan Shields	630-539-4835	244 Knollwood Dr., 4th Flr. Bloomingdale, IL 60117-4000	Central Illinois, Chicago, Detroit, Gateway, Greater Indiana, Greater Michigan, Lake-land, Northern Illinois, Southeast Michigan
Central Illinois	Beverly Howard	708-563-7751	6801 W. 73rd St. Bedford Park, IL 60499-9631	604, 605, 609, 613, 614, 615, 616, 617, 618, 619, 625, 626, 627
Chicago	Carmen Santiago	312-983-8403	433 W. Harrison St., 2nd Flr. Chicago, IL 60607-9631	606, 607, 608
Detroit	Pam Collins (A)	313-234-8842	1401 W. Fort Street, Rm. 226A Detroit, MI 48233-9501	481, 482, 492
Gateway	Beverly Lambert	314-436-3699	1720 Market St., Rm. 1015 St. Louis, MO 63155-9631	620, 622, 623, 624, 628, 629, 630, 631, 633, 634, 635, 650, 651, 652, 653
Greater Indiana	Joy Simmons	317-870-8243	PO Box 9631 Indianapolis, IN 46298-9631	460, 461, 462, 463, 464, 465, 466, 467, 468, 469, 472, 473, 474, 475, 478, 479
Greater Michigan	Sabrina Todd	616-776-6149	PO Box 999631 Grand Rapids, MI 49599-9631	486, 487, 488, 489, 490, 491, 493, 494, 495, 496, 497
Lakeland	Garrett Hoyt (A)	414-287-2530	PO Box 5011 Milwaukee, WI 53201-5011	498, 499, 530, 531, 532, 534, 535, 537, 538, 539, 541, 542, 543, 544, 545, 549
Northern Illinois	Chris Bzdelik	630-260-5510	500 E. Fullerton Ave. Carol Stream, IL 60199-9631	600, 601, 602, 603, 610, 611
Southeast Michigan	Juanita Banks	248-336-3125	1 Ajax Dr., Ste. 101 Madison Heights, MI 48071-9620	480, 483, 484, 485
New York Metro Area	Duquesa Wright	718-321-5724	142-02 20th Ave., Rm. 320 Flushing, NY 11351-0500	Caribbean, Central Jersey, Long Island, New York, Northern Jersey, Triboro, Westchester
Caribbean	Iraida Reyes	787-622-1734	585 F. D. Roosevelt Ave., Ste. 195 San Juan, PR 00936-9631	006, 007, 008, 009
Central New Jersey	Jake Truex	732-819-3899	21 Kilmer Rd. Edison, NJ 08899-9631	077, 085, 086, 087, 088, 089
Long Island	Marge Brady	631-582-7510	PO Box 7604 Islandia, NY 11760-9631	005, 115, 117, 118, 119
New York	Rosalie Torres	212-330-3667	421 8th Ave., Rm. 4202-0 New York, NY 10199-9631	090, 091, 092, 093, 094, 095, 096, 097, 098, 100, 101, 102, 104
Northern New Jersey	Congetta “Connie” Chiricello	973-468-7098	494 Broad St., 2nd Flr. Newark, NJ 07102-9335	070, 071, 072, 073, 074, 075, 076, 078, 079
Triboro	Pelrique Price	718-348-3297	1050 Forbell St., Rm. 2015-0 Brooklyn, NY 11256-9631	103, 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 116
Westchester	Rita Cody	914-697-7020	1000 Westchester Ave. White Plains, NY 10610-9631	004, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 124, 125, 126, 127
Northeast Area	Christine Murphy	860-285-7314	6 Griffin Rd. North Windsor, CT 06006-7030	Albany, Boston, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire/Vermont, Southeast New England, Western New York
Albany	Dave Desrosiers	518-452-2406	30 Old Karner Rd. Albany, NY 12288-9631	120, 121, 122, 123, 128-139
Boston	Janice Jackson (A)	617-654-5891	25 Dorchester Ave., Rm. 4009 Boston, MA 02205-9631	021, 022, 024
Connecticut	Lori Gaither-Gordon	860-524-6398	141 Weston St., Rm. 206 Hartford, CT 06101-9631	060-069
Maine	Mike Doyle	207-828-7196	151 Forest Ave., Ste. 7022 Portland, ME 04101-9631	039, 040, 041, 042, 043, 044, 045, 046, 047, 048, 049
Massachusetts	Cheryl Coyne (A)	978-664-7641	74 Main St. N. Reading, MA 01889-9631	010, 011, 012, 013, 014, 015, 016, 017, 018, 019, 055
New Hampshire/ Vermont	Kathi Roy	603-626-6818	955 Goffs Falls Rd. Manchester, NH 03103-9631	030, 031, 032, 033, 034, 035, 036, 037, 038, 050, 051, 052, 053, 054, 056, 057, 058, 059
Southeast New England	Sharon Angelone (A)	401-276-3917	24 Corliss St. Providence, RI 02904-9631	020, 023, 025, 026, 027, 028, 029
Western New York	Christine Kogutowski	716-846-2507	1200 William St., Rm. 100 Buffalo, NY 14240-9631	140-149
Pacific Area	Beate Boyd	858-674-3117	390 Main St., Ste. 710 San Francisco, CA 94105-2081	Bay-Valley, Honolulu, Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Diego, San Francisco, Santa Ana, Sierra Coastal
Bay-Valley	Elma Ramirez	510-251-3373	201 13th St., Rm. 228 Oakland, CA 94612-9605	939, 945, 946, 947, 948,950, 951
Honolulu	Lynne Moore	808-423-3934	3600 Aolele St., Rm. 112 Honolulu, HI 96820-9631	967, 968, 969
Los Angeles	Beverly Young	323-586-4478	7001 S. Central Ave., Rm. 267-A Los Angeles, CA 90052-9631	900, 901, 902, 903, 904
Sacramento	Marilyn Starrett	916-373-8630	3775 Industrial Blvd. W. Sacramento, CA 95799-0070	936, 937, 938, 942, 952, 953, 956, 957, 958, 959, 960
San Diego	Jacqui Crist (A)	858-674-0569	11251 Rancho Carmel Dr., Rm. 144 San Diego, CA 92199-9631	919, 920, 921, 922, 923, 924, 925
San Francisco	Rachael Munoz	415-371-5163 / 65	PO Box 7834 San Francisco, CA 94120-7834	940, 941, 943, 944, 949, 954, 955, 962, 963, 964, 965, 966
Santa Ana	Sandra Alvarez	714-662-6275	3101 W. Sunflower Ave. Santa Ana, CA 92799-9325	905, 906, 907, 908, 917, 918, 926, 927, 928
Sierra Coastal	Alicia Delgadillo	661-775-6680	28201 Franklin Pkwy. Santa Clarita, CA 91383-9606	910, 911, 912, 913, 914, 915, 916, 930, 931, 932, 933, 934, 935
Southeast Area	Roland Bullock	901-747-7646	225 N. Humphreys Blvd. Memphis, TN 38166-0830	Alabama, Atlanta, Central Florida, Mississippi, North Florida, South Florida, South Georgia, Suncoast, Tennessee
Alabama	Viola Freeman	205) 521-0292	351 24th St. N., Rm. 123 Birmingham, AL 35203-9631	350,351,352,354,355,356,357,358,359,360,361,362,363, 364,365,366,367,368
Atlanta	Kim Amis	404-765-7619	3900 Crown Rd. S.W., Rm. 2050 Atlanta, GA 30304-9631	300, 301, 302, 303, 305, 306, 311, 399
Central Florida	Alan Stigall	407-333-4804	PO Box 999640 Mid Florida, FL 32799-9640	327, 328, 329, 347, 349, 334
Mississippi	Doug Kyle	601-351-7353	PO Box 99655 Jackson, MS 39205-9655	369, 386, 387, 388, 389, 390, 391, 392, 393, 394, 395, 396, 397
North Florida	Mary Dobbins	904-858-6511	PO Box 40005 Jacksonville, FL 32203-0005	320, 321, 322, 323, 324, 325, 326, 344
South Florida	Ellen Uptgrow	305-470-0801	2200 N.W. 72nd Ave., Ste. 225 Miami, FL 33152-9000	330, 331, 332, 333, 340
South Georgia	Donna Ricks	478-752-8730	451 College St. Macon, GA 31213-9631	298, 299, 304, 308, 309, 310, 312, 313, 314, 315, 316, 317, 318, 319, 398
Suncoast	Lina Hoffman	813-889-4316	6013 Benjamin Rd., Ste. 201 Tampa, FL 33634-5144	335, 336, 337, 338, 339, 341, 342, 346
Tennessee	Ruth McCarver	615-872-5623	811 Royal Pkwy. Nashville, TN 37229-9631	307, 370, 371, 372, 373, 374, 376, 377, 378, 379, 380, 381, 382, 383, 384, 385
Southwest Area	Bill Halstead	214-819-8861	7800 N. Stemmons Fwy., Ste. 900 Dallas, TX 75247-4225	Albuquerque, Arkansas, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Rio Grande
Albuquerque	Anthony Baca	505-346-8063	1135 Broadway Blvd., NE, Rm. 221 Albuquerque, NM 87101-9631	865, 870, 871, 872, 873, 874, 875, 877, 878, 879, 880, 881, 882, 883, 884
Arkansas	David Thompson (A)	501-228-4280 / 4285	420 Natural Resources Dr. Little Rock, AR 72205-9631	716, 717, 718, 719, 720, 721, 722, 723, 724, 725, 726, 727, 728, 729
Dallas	Kelley Davis	972-393-6731	951 W. Bethel Rd. Coppell, TX 75099-9631	750, 751, 752, 753, 754, 755, 756, 757, 758, 759
Fort Worth	Arlene Sanchez	817-317-3626	4600 Mark IV Pkwy. Fort Worth, TX 76161-9631	760, 761, 762, 763, 764, 768, 769, 795, 796, 739 790, 791, 792, 793, 794
Houston	Jerry Warren	713-226-3147	PO Box 250001 Houston, TX 77202-9631	770, 771, 772, 773, 774, 775, 776, 777, 778
Louisiana	Vanessa Custard (A)	504-589-1420	701 Loyola Ave., Rm. 1101 New Orleans, LA 70113-9631	700, 701, 703, 704, 705, 706, 707, 708, 710, 711, 712, 713, 714
Oklahoma	Kerry Rennels	405-815-2342	320 S.W. 5th Oklahoma City, OK 73125-9631	730, 731, 734, 735, 736, 737, 738, 740, 741, 743, 744, 745, 746, 747, 748, 749
Rio Grande	Gerry Garcia	210-368-8448	10410 Perrin Beitel Rd. San Antonio, TX 78284-9631	733, 765, 766, 767, 779, 780, 781, 782, 783, 784, 785, 786, 787, 788, 789, 797, 798, 799, 885
Western Area	Pamela Brown	303-313-5500	1745 Stout St., Ste. 100 Denver, CO 80299-0100	Alaska, Arizona, Big Sky, Central Plains, Colorado/ Wyoming, Dakotas, Hawkeye, Mid-America, Nevada-Sierra, Northland, Portland, Salt Lake City, Seattle, Spokane
Alaska	Dawn Peppinger	907-564-2828	3201 C St., Ste. 201 Anchorage, AK 99503-9631	995, 996, 997, 998, 999
Arizona	Gwen Asher (A)	602-223-3229	PO Box 21628 Phoenix, AZ 85036-1628	850, 852, 853, 855, 856, 857, 859, 860, 863, 864
Big Sky	Lisa Blomquist	406-657-5775	841 S. 26th St. Billings, MT 59101-9631	590, 591, 592, 593, 594, 595, 596, 597, 598, 599
Central Plains	Vickie Schroeder	402-573-2110	5303 N. 91st Ave. Omaha, NE 68134-9631	515, 516, 664, 665, 666, 668, 669, 670, 671, 672, 673, 674, 675, 676, 677, 678, 679, 680, 681, 683, 684, 685, 686, 687, 688, 689, 690, 691, 692, 693
Colorado/ Wyoming	Joan Harriger (A)	303-853-6070	7500 E. 53rd Pl., Rm. 2214 Denver, CO 80266-9631	800, 801, 802, 803, 804, 805, 806, 807, 808, 809, 810, 811, 812, 813, 814, 815, 816, 818, 819, 820, 821, 822, 823 824, 825, 826, 827, 828, 829,830, 831
Dakotas	Patti Larson	605-333-2646	PO Box 7570 Sioux Falls, SD 57117-7570	565, 567, 570, 571, 572, 573, 574, 575, 576, 577, 580, 581, 582, 583, 584, 585, 586, 587, 588
Hawkeye	Joni Martin	515-251-2330	PO Box 189996 Des Moines, IA 50318-9631	500, 501, 502, 503, 504, 505, 506, 507, 508, 509, 510, 511, 512, 513, 514, 520, 521, 522, 523, 524, 525, 526, 527, 528, 612
Mid-America	Ot Newman	816-374-9186	300 W. Pershing Rd., Ste. 207 Kansas City, MO 64108-9631	636, 637, 638, 639, 640, 641, 644, 645, 646, 647, 648, 654, 655, 656, 657, 658, 660, 661, 662, 667
Nevada-Sierrra	Loretta Kirkpatrick	702-361-9466	1001 E. Sunset Rd., Rm. 1002 Las Vegas, NV 89199-9655	889, 890, 891, 893, 894, 895, 897, 898, 961
Northland	Natalie Sorvari	612-349-6397	100 S. 1st St., Rm. 121 Minneapolis, MN 55401-9631	540, 546, 547, 548, 549, 550, 551, 553, 554, 555, 556, 557, 558, 559, 560, 561, 562, 563, 564, 566
Portland	Patricia Carcasses	503-294-7878 / 787	715 N.W. Hoyt, Rm. 1012 Portland, OR 97208-9631	970, 971, 972, 973, 974, 975, 976, 977, 978, 979, 986
Salt Lake City	Ron Hubrich	801-974-2505	1760 W. 2100 St. Salt Lake City, UT 84199-9631	840, 841, 843, 844, 845, 846, 847
Seattle	Dana Blakeslee	206-378-2630	PO Box 90306 Seattle, WA 98109-9631	980, 981, 982, 983, 984, 985, 988, 989
Spokane	Steve Rorie	509-626-6721	707 W. Main Ave., Ste. 600 Spokane, WA 99299-9631	832, 833, 834, 835, 836, 837, 838, 990, 991, 992, 993, 994

— Public Relations and Promotional Communications,
Corporate Communications, 1-29-09

Feb. xx, 2009 Public Affairs Contact: xx

(O) xxx-xxx-xxxx

(C) xxx-xxx-xxxx

xx@usps.gov

U.S. Postal Inspection Service Contact: xx

(O) xxx-xxx-xxxx

(C) xxx-xxx-xxxx

xx@uspis.gov

usps.com/news

Media Advisory
U.S. Postal Service Launches 2009 National Consumer Protection Week [Insert Event]
“Nuts and Bolts: Tools for Today’s Economy”

WHAT: Postal Service™ officials will host a [Insert Event] to celebrate National Consumer Protection Week. Officials will distribute DVDs and brochures warning against identity theft and fraudulent schemes, providing consumers with valuable information about protecting their financial assets from these types of crimes, as well as ways to report suspected financial fraud.

WHO: [Insert Name, Title]

WHEN: [xx] a.m.
[Insert Day], March [xx]

WHERE: [Insert Event Address]
[Insert Parking Availability]

BACKGROUND: National Consumer Protection Week, set for March 1–7, is a national program led by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to draw attention to issues and recommendations that help customers become smarter consumers of products, materials and services, and improve their knowledge of how to combat fraud of any type.

The U.S. Postal Service^® Office of Consumer Advocate and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service are working to educate consumers about identity theft and fraudulent schemes. The Postal Service will provide consumers with the tools and information needed to combat these types of crimes.

According to the National Consumers League, reported losses from one type of mail fraud alone — fraudulent schemes — quadrupled in three years. Each victim of this type of scam loses an average of $4,000.

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The Postal Service will point customers to the website established by the Postal Inspection Service and its business partners: http://postalinspectors.uspis.gov/ and www.FakeChecks.org.

An independent federal agency, the U.S. Postal Service is the only delivery service that reaches every address in the nation, 146 million homes and businesses, six days a week. It has 37,000 retail locations and relies on the sale of postage, products and services, not tax dollars, to pay for oper­ating expenses. The Postal Service has annual revenue of $75 billion and delivers nearly half the world’s mail. To learn about the history of the Postal Service visit the Smithsonian’s National Postal Museum at www.postalmuseum.si.edu.

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is the federal law enforcement, security and crime prevention arm of the United States Postal Service that protects the U.S. Postal Service, secures the nation’s mail system and ensures public trust in the mail. To learn more, visit http://postal inspectors.uspis.gov.

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