Clark County prosecutor educating citizens on scams with 4 stops in March

Looking to protect yourself from fraud, identity theft, and scams? Wondering about the best way to improve your credit, shop for a used car, or how to keep your kids safe online?

Clark County Prosecuting Attorney Dan Turner has information for you during National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) — March 3 – 9, 2024 — and any time of the year. NCPW is a time when government agencies, consumer protection groups, and law enforcement organizations work together to share information about consumer rights and raise awareness and help people learn to spot, report, and avoid scams.    

The Clark County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office will be hosting events in the cities of Amity (Mayor John McAnally); Arkadelphia (Mayor Scott Byrd and City Manager Gary Brinkley); Caddo Valley (Mayor Joe Jackson); and Gurdon (Mayor Larry Thomerson).

• Caddo Valley at Caddo Valley City Hall, 137 Malvern Road, Caddo Valley, Arkansas on Thursday, March 7, 2024 from 9-10 a.m.
• Arkadelphia at Arkadelphia Town Hall, 700 Clay Street, Arkadelphia, Arkansas on Thursday, March 7, 2024 from 1-2 p.m.
• Amity at the Amity City Hall, 121 E. Thompson Street, Amity, Arkansas on Friday, March 8, 2024 from 9-10 a.m.
• Gurdon at the Gurdon City Hall, 103 E. Maple Street, Gurdon, Arkansas on Friday, March 8, 2024 from 1-2 p.m.

The purpose of these events is to provide information and raise public awareness of common and frequent frauds and to otherwise educate and provide information to consumers to protect against these scams. These events are designed to provide information and help educate consumers of all ages as well as small business owners.

According to the Federal Trade Commission, consumer scams cost Americans more than $10 billion in 2023. This marks a 14% increase over reported losses by consumers in 2022. These scams are becoming more common and more sophisticated and we know that citizens in our community have been victimized by scammers online and by telephone. 

“As part of National Consumer Protection Week, we want to help educate the public and emphasize the message that everyone should be aware of potential consumer scams. We also hope to increase vigilance against such schemes and to provide information to those who might become victims of consumer scams.” Turner said.

Visit www.clarkcountyprosecutor.com for more information. Also, visit ftc.gov/ncpw to learn how to get free consumer education materials — including advice in a dozen languages — and read the latest from consumer protection experts.