Mercer County Hosts "Fighting Fraud" Workshop Aug. 26

Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes and the Mercer County Division of Consumer Affairs, along with the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs, will host a consumer rights presentation, “Fighting Fraud” in response to increasing fraud attempts and consumer scams.

The “Fighting Fraud” presentation takes place Aug. 26 from 11 a.m. to noon at the Robbinsville Senior Center, 1117 Route 130, Robbinsville.

Representatives from the Mercer County Consumer Affairs Division and Steve Lee, acting director of the state office, who will address the topics of IRS scams, lottery and sweepstakes scams, grandparent scams, foreclosure rescue scams, high-pressure sales scams, home improvement contracting fraud, e-mail scams, identity theft and more.

“Unfortunately, many of these scam artists are very good at what they do, and we’ve seen even the most savvy people get tricked into giving away money or personal information,” Hughes said. “If you’ve been victimized, I urge you to report the incident. You are not alone, I promise you that.”

He added that it is “never too late to protect yourself” from being victimized. Professionals at the program will explain the steps to take to protect yourself and offer ways that you might be able to recover your losses.

“Scam artists are constantly reinventing their techniques to convince would-be victims to part with their money or information,” Hughes said. “At this presentation, you’ll learn how to spot the red flags.”

The “Fighting Fraud” program is one in a series of efforts by the County to improve consumers’ ability to safeguard against fraud and scams and to promote consumer education and consumer rights and responsibilities. Other county initiatives include random gas station inspections, weighing staple grocery items to ensure accurate pricing, and increased circulation of fraud alerts via the County website.

Admission is free. For information, call Division of Consumer Affairs at 609-989-6671.