HARTFORD — The Department of Consumer Protection is encouraging consumers to engage in education opportunities about scam and fraud prevention during National Consumer Protection Week.
This week, agencies are hosting virtual events to teach consumers about their rights in the marketplace and ways to stay vigilant against scammers.
“Consumer Protection Week not only highlights the work of our agency, but promotes the most important aspect: education,” said DCP Commissioner Bryan T. Cafferelli. “This week is a great opportunity to start learning about the latest scam trends and sharing tips with family, friends, and colleagues.”
“Scammers are getting more sophisticated every day, but there are basic steps we can all take to spot fraud and protect ourselves,” said Attorney General William Tong. “Be suspicious of anyone—whether they claim to be from a government agency, a public utility, or a bank—that demands immediate payment over the phone or via text message or email. Hang up, do your research. Consider calling the alleged government agency, public utility or bank directly – don’t respond to the incoming demand for payment. And, if you do need to make a payment, do it through your regular bill-pay systems.”
In Connecticut, there were 14,600 fraud reports made during the first three quarters of 2024, according to the Federal Trade Commission. There was a total loss of $66.5 million, with an average loss of $425.
The 5 most common fraud reports in Connecticut last year, per the FTC:
- Imposter Scams (4,830)
- Online Shopping and Negative Reviews (2,483)
- Internet Services (947)
- Health Care (814)
- Telephone and Mobile Services (719)
Scammers do not target a single population. Any individual who receives text messages, phone calls, emails, or pop-up ads can be vulnerable to scams.
This year’s theme is “Slam the Scam,” a campaign to raise awareness of fake calls impersonating government employees. Government agencies will not demand money or personal information through phone calls or text messages.
Consumers are encouraged to attend free virtual events:
- Tuesday, March 4 at 2 p.m. - Webinar on fraud trends and how to spot, avoid, and report imposter scams. Hosted by the FTC and BBB.
- Wednesday, March 5 at 2 p.m. - Webinar about protecting veterans against pension and disability benefits scams. Hosted by the FTC and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
- Friday, March 7 at 12:30 p.m. – Webinar about staying safe online, understanding advertisements, and spotting scams. Hosted by FTC and AARP.
For more information on events during National Consumer Protection Week, visit the Federal Trade Commission.
Additional resources are available all year from the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection, Federal Trade Commission and Better Business Bureau.
To stay up to date with the latest scam trends and how to spot red flags, follow @CTDCP on Instagram, Facebook, X, and LinkedIn.