The DC Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking (DISB) has joined a group of federal, state and local government agencies and national consumer advocacy organizations to launch the 10th annual National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), March 2-8, 2008.

NCPW highlights consumer-education efforts in the fight against fraud in communities across the nation. NCPW 2008’s organizers are encouraging people from coast to coast to focus on the financial facts of life. It’s a sound investment: financially savvy consumers are likely to make smarter decisions about managing their money, using credit wisely and building a solid financial foundation.

“Every day, consumers conduct some type of financial transaction requiring an educated decision,” said Commissioner Thomas E. Hampton. These include shopping for a mortgage or auto loans; understanding and reconciling credit card statements and utility bills; choosing savings and retirement plans; comparing health insurance policies; understanding their credit report and how it affects their ability to get credit and on what terms; or simply deciding how to pay for a purchase. “Education is the first line of defense for consumers to manage their money wisely and protect themselves against frauds or rip-offs,” he added.
 
As a NCPW partner organization, DISB will be using this week to launch its 12-page booklets on Insure U on its website. Insure U is a national consumer education program created by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, which teaches consumers how to get smart about insurance using their various stages in life. The booklets will provide practical—and tactical—tips so consumers can learn how to make well-informed financial decisions and avoid scams. For more information, visit DISB’s website at disb.dc.gov. Consumers can boost their financial IQ at consumer.gov/ncpw/.