Forums and free shredding events to be held Nov. 14-18.
· Sheriff’s Office, Consumer Protection to host anti-fraud awareness forums
· International Fraud Awareness Week is Nov. 13-19
· Residents can call (727) 464-6200 to report a consumer problem
In a continuous effort to ensure public safety and welfare, Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office and Pinellas County Consumer Protection are participating in Fraud Awareness Week, Nov. 14-18, to promote anti-fraud awareness and education.
The agencies will host various forums and free shredding events throughout the county to educate residents about common scams and how to avoid them.
– Nov. 14, 9 a.m.-noon: Seminole Gardens Peacock Center (8324 112th St. N., Seminole)
– Nov. 15, 9 a.m.-noon: Fountains at Boca Ciega Bay (2nd floor auditorium, 1255 Pasadena Ave. S., St Petersburg)
– Nov. 16, 9 a.m.-noon: Five Towns Community Magnolia Sun Center (7950 58th Ave, N., St Petersburg)
– Nov. 17, 9 a.m.-noon: On Top of the World East Activity Center (2069 World Parkway E., Clearwater)
– Nov. 18, 9 a.m.-noon: Palm Harbor Community Center (1500 16th St. N., Palm Harbor)
Each forum will offer a free shredding event, from 8 to 10 a.m. An informational session on fraud awareness presented by Sheriff’s Office begins at 9 a.m., followed by a session on elderly fraud scams presented by Consumer Protection at 10 a.m. A final information session for tips how to protect yourself from fraud begins at 11 a.m. The event will conclude at 1 p.m. with an opportunity for residents to ask questions at noon.
“While prevention and detection is a year-round effort, Fraud Awareness Week shines a spotlight on fraud and spreads additional awareness which is key in combating the fraud threat,” said Doug Templeton, operations manager at Pinellas County Consumer Protection.
For more information about increasing awareness and reducing the risk of fraud during Fraud Awareness Week, visitwww.fraudweek.com. For assistance with a consumer problem or to check the complaint history of a business, contact Pinellas County Office of Consumer Protection at (727) 464-6200 or visit www.pinellascounty.org/consumer.