The United States Postal Service and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service join with federal, state and local government agencies and consumer protection organizations in observing the 13th Annual National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), March 6-12, 2011.

This coordinated consumer education campaign encourages individuals across the country to take full advantage of their consumer rights.

This year’s theme – Your Information Destination — highlights resources available to consumers through various channels. In recognition of NCPW 2011, the Postal Service and its partners are promoting free resources to help people protect their privacy, manage money and debt, avoid identity theft, understand credit and mortgages, and steer clear of frauds and scams.

"The message of National Consumer Protection Week 2011 is simple: It’s never too early or too late to become a more informed and empowered consumer,” says Postal Inspector Yulanda Burns, Public Information officer for the Postal Inspection Service’s Atlanta Division. “Regardless of your age or financial situation, there are useful lessons to learn about protecting privacy and avoiding scams and fraud schemes. The Postal Service encourages everyone to visit the U.S. Postal Service/Postal Inspection Service website, dedicated to fraud education and prevention, and the NCPW website sponsored by the Federal Trade Commission, for tips about making smarter decisions in the marketplace.”

On Saturday, March 12 the public is invited to attend a ‘Shred It To Protect It!’ event from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Arbor Place Mall in Douglasville. This is an opportunity to bring old bank statements, credit card offers, old bills, cancelled checks and other personal papers to be shredded on the spot at no charge.

Shredding services will be provided by Recall document management company.

Press Release