Oregon Department of Justice

Attorney General John Kroger and a coalition of law enforcement leaders, legislators, advocacy groups and the Department of Consumer and Business Services announced today the creation of the Oregon Scam Alert Network. The Oregon Scam Alert Network is designed to inform consumers about emerging predatory scams. According to the Federal Trade Commission, scam artists and fraudsters follow the headlines, and are likely to be using the economic downturn to take advantage of consumers who may be financially vulnerable.

"Consumer scams are likely to increase during the current recession," Kroger said. "Oregon's citizens should know that they can turn to the Department of Justice for help when scams threaten their financial security."

The Oregon Scam Alert Network consists of the Oregon Department of Justice, the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon District Attorneys' Association, Oregon State Sheriffs' Association, Oregon Association of Police Chiefs, AARP and Elders in Action, among others. The network will distribute the Department of Justice's regular scam alerts to the media, elected leaders, consumer watchdogs, and advocates for the elderly and disabled across the state.

Law enforcement officials praised the creation of the Oregon Scam Alert Network.

"Having the Attorney General leading a statewide effort to combat fraud will be a great help to local prosecutors," said Dan Norris, President of the Oregon District Attorneys Association.

"The Oregon Scam Alert Network is a great opportunity for many diverse groups to work together," added Raul Ramirez, Executive Director of the Oregon Sheriffs Association. "The Oregon Sheriffs are very interested in being part of this network and preventing fraud in the first place."

This week is the 11th Annual National Consumer Protection Week. The announcement of the Oregon Scam Alert Network is one of several events promoting the important work being done in Oregon to protect and educate Oregon consumers. Joining Kroger in this effort are Sen. Suzanne Bonamici, Chair of the Senate Consumer Protection Committee; Sen. Larry George, Vice Chair; Rep. Paul Holvey, Chair of the House Consumer Protection Committee; Rep. Jim Weidner, Vice Chair; Rep. Chuck Riley, Vice Chair; and Cory Streisinger, Director of the Department of Consumer and Business Services.

Other events this week include:

Monday 3/2

• National Consumer Protection Week kicks off!
• House Consumer Protection Committee holds a public hearing on children's product safety (HB 2367 and HB 2792).

Tuesday 3/3

• Department of Justice launches Oregon Scam Alert Network.
• Avoiding Loan Modification Scams courtesy of Department of Consumer and Business Services.
• Senate Consumer Protection Committee explores property rights of manufactured home owners (SB 510) and foreclosure mediation strategies (SB 628).

Wednesday 3/4

• OSPIRG offers Consumer Tips for the Downturn.
• House Consumer Protection Committee looks at ticket purchaser protection (HB 2673, the Hannah Montana Bill) and landlord-tenant responsibilities (HB 2613 and HB 2614).

Thursday 3/5

• Department of Justice's Top Ten Consumer Complaint Report of 2008 is released.
• Senate Consumer Protection Committee discusses internet service provider customer relations (SB 485) and affordable housing insurance (SB 539).

Friday 3/6

• Maintaining Insurance Coverage in a Tight Economy FAQ provided by Department of Consumer and Business Services.
• House Consumer Protection Committees tackles automatic contract renewal provisions (HB 2631).

Attorney General John Kroger leads the Oregon Department of Justice. The Department's mission is to fight crime and fraud, protect the environment, improve child welfare, and defend the rights of all Oregonians.