Yesterday, the Alabama District USPS Department of Consumer Affairs conducted a National Consumer Protection Week event in the Birmingham Main Post Office lobby. The well-attended function featured members of local law enforcement, the Postal Inspection service, Postal management, as well as people who had been the victims of identity theft and fraud.
Crestline Station Manager Vivian Harris gave a stirring a cappella rendition of the National Anthem.
Bishop Calvin W. Woods of Shiloh Baptist Church delivered the Invocation, in which he prayed for the protection and wisdom of the consumer.
“Let them be able to see what the enemies don’t want them to see."
Jefferson County Sheriff Mike Hale commended the USPS and the Postal Inspection Service for their diligence in protecting the public from fraud and pledged his continued support in that endeavor.
"The United States Postal Service and the United States Postal Inspection Service have played key roles in deterring and defeating and protecting identities and our consumers from losing money, their hard-earned money, to fraud. I appreciate the Postal Service in Alabama taking the lead in that. "
His advice: "To avoid being a fraud victim, use common sense. Take your time with responding to offers. Educate yourselves about fraud. Protect your personal information, and be skeptical about any offer that sounds too good to be true. "
He also said that if you do happen to become a victim of fraud, don't be embarrassed or feel stupid: immediately notify the proper authorities. Hale himself has also suffered through the ordeal of having the security of his own financial information compromised. It took him about six weeks to straighten things out.
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Jefferson County District Attorney Brandon K. Fells said that already that day (it was only 10:00am when he spoke), he had dealth with two cases that involved identity theft and fraud.
Fells: "Our most important tool is the public. We need people who are willing to press charges, work with us, and see these cases all the way through. Sometimes that can mean six months, sometimes that can mean a year. By doing so, you help make Jefferson County
Postal Inspector Tony Robinson offered two main pieces of advice to consumers:
The other piece of advice is this: if it seems like it just doesn’t sound right, please, reach out to one of these organizations that have already shown their dedication. Don’t feel like you are being a bother. We’re here to help you. If you are a victim, do not feel embarrassed. And if you talk to us beforehand, we might save you time and money."
Alabama District Manager William Mitchell also encouraged consumers to protect themselves by staying informed.
Mitchell: "The Postal Service has remained the most trusted government agency for six consecutive years now. NCPW lasts for just seven days, but the lessons learned during those seven days can stay with you for a lifetime."
