Letter to the editor

On the lookout for fraud

Dear editor:

My office has joined a group of federal, state and local government agencies and national consumer advocacy organizations to launch the eighth annual National Consumer Protection Week , Feb. 5-11. NCPW highlights the importance of consumer education in the fight against fraud.

In Missouri, my office received almost 90,000 consumer complaints in 2005, and I've taken steps to make that complaint process even easier.

Beginning Feb. 6, Missourians will be able to fill out and submit their complaints online at www.ago.mo.gov.

In addition, I will be offering a new complaint form for victims of identity theft. As always, consumers can also reach my office by calling the consumer protection hotline at (800) 392-8222.

Consumers can also go to www.ago.mo.gov to learn how to stop, spot and avoid fraud and deception through educational tips. I encourage Missourians to use this information to empower themselves, improve the quality and choice of goods and services, and enhance law enforcement efforts.

-- Jay Nixon, Attorney General of Missouri

Jefferson City