Attorney General, SJ team tackle consumer fraud

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Brittain Crolley
  • 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  From identity theft to vehicle fraud, there are plenty of scams out there and businesses specifically target military personnel and their families.

To help combat fraud, protect Airmen and bring awareness to Military Consumer Protection Day, the 4th Fighter Wing teamed up with Attorney General Roy Cooper and his team of experts to host "Scam Jam" at Eagle's Landing, July 18.

Cooper's team presented information on the many different kinds of complaints they receive on a daily basis and what measures can be taken to prevent and respond to a range of fraudulent acts.

"Just being aware [of the different scams] is the first step," said 1st Lt. Lamin Jackson, 4th Equipment Maintenance Squadron munitions maintenance assistant flight commander. "It's important to be aware of what types of threats are out there and knowing what you can do to either prevent or mitigate the issue if it has happened to you."

Last year alone, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau received 3,455 complaints from military members, mostly centered on mortgages, credit cards and credit reporting.

Tips to avoid consumer fraud

· Read and understand everything you sign - don't let the lender rush you.

· Always perform pre-purchase inspections of vehicles.

· Before making a purchase, check with the Attorney General's office or the Better Business Bureau to find out if the business has any complaints.

· Don't become a victim of identity theft. Only give out your social security number when absolutely necessary.

· Track your credit history. You have the right to dispute incorrect or fraudulent information with the credit bureaus.

"You can never have too much protection and you can never be too educated about a subject matter," said Senior Airman Alexis Allen, 4th Comptroller Squadron permanent change of station technician and victim of consumer fraud. "If it's happened to you one time, that's one time too many."

Allen said she recently had her bank account information stolen, and it wasn't the first time. This occurrence makes the third time in the past year that she has been a victim.
"It's unfortunate when someone gets your bank account information and you have to change 12 or 13 [billing] accounts because they're automatically withdrawn out of your bank account every month," Allen said. "But [the seminar] provided a lot of information to take care of not only myself, but to educate others that may be experiencing the same thing that I am."

There are also multiple resources available on base. The legal office and Airman & Family Readiness Center can provide a wealth of information for Airmen who feel they have been a victim of consumer fraud.

All avenues are in place to provide continued assistance, education and support for Airmen and their families that may be targeted by scams and corrupt businesses.

To file a complaint, fill out an online form at www.ncdoj.com or call (877) 566-7226.