Awareness campaign helps consumers avoid scams, fraud

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Matthew Lotz
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  The Airmen and Family Readiness Center kicked off a month-long Consumer protection awareness campaign with an information booth July 17 at The Base Exchange.

The purpose of the campaign is to educate military members and their families on fraud and scams and how they can protect themselves.

During the month of July, the Department of Defense is highlighting information and resources to help all branches and their families avoid fraud and scams.

According to a 2012 survey, nearly one million military consumers across all branches (including retirees) made official fraud complaints through the Federal Trade Commission's Consumer Sentinel Network.

"The most common scam we are seeing right now is email phishing," said Kevin Hamilton, 31st Force Support Squadron community readiness consultant. "There is not a bank out there that is going to send you an email asking for your login name, password or other personal information. They will call you if they need it."

Even though some may think they are immune to scamming, Hamilton offered various tips to help avoid possible scams.

"Always verify the source, but don't use the phone number provided on the email," said Shon Wagner, 31st FSS community readiness specialist. "Using a second source is always good. The AFRC is always available to help."

Both Hamilton and Wagner hope the number of victims will decrease this year with the information they are providing.

"We trust the numbers will go down, but right now all we can do is educate and provide information to help prevent these things from happening," said Hamilton.

While they couldn't speak with everyone on base, they did leave some final advice.

"Check your credit report at least three times a year," said Wagner. "If you notice a drop in your credit score, something has happened."

"If you ever become a victim of fraudulent scams, please let the [AFRC] help you," added Hamilton.