National Consumer Protection Week Aims to Keep You Alert in the Face of New Scams
PORTLAND, Maine (CBS13) – As new scams emerge daily, the CBS13 I-Team is dedicating a week of coverage to help viewers protect their money and identities. With fraudsters employing increasingly sophisticated tactics, awareness and vigilance are more critical than ever.
National Consumer Protection Week serves as a reminder of consumer rights and offers guidance on avoiding scams and safeguarding personal information. Starting Monday, the I-Team will delve into current threats, including phishing, AI-generated calls, and other deceptive practices.
Last year, Mainers lost over $20 million to scams and identity theft, a figure experts believe to be significantly higher due to underreporting. The evolution of technology has created a more accessible environment for criminals. Sophisticated methods like phishing, AI-generated calls, and texts make it harder to identify fraudulent schemes.
Jane Margesson of AARP Maine emphasized the increasing complexity of these scams, stating, “It’s all very well designed. It’s very intricate. They’re so creative, and they’re absolutely relentless, but we need to be relentless, too.”
The I-Team will launch five days of coverage for Consumer Protection Week starting Monday at 6 p.m. This coverage will explore the latest scams, the role of AI in fraud, and methods to protect personal and child identities in light of increased cyber threats.
