Department of Financial Institutions Announces Participation in National Consumer Protection Week March 4-10, 2012

(SAN FRANCISCO, CA) – The California Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) encourages Californians to take full advantage of free financial education resources and make better-informed decisions in the marketplace during National Consumer Protection Week, March 4-10, 2012.

“Every day, consumers make important decisions about finances. National Consumer Protection Week is an excellent time for families to assess the state of their finances utilizing the many free resources that are available from government agencies and private nonprofits designed to help make the best choices,” said William S. Haraf, Commissioner of Financial Institutions.

DFI has developed programs and publications to help educate and protect consumers. In conjunction with other state agencies, the state is actively promoting educational opportunities during National Consumer Protection Week in the public, private and non-profit sectors. Participating organizations urge consumers to take advantage of the free resources available on topics including banking, credit and debt, identity theft, rights and responsibilities, scam and fraud alerts.

The Department of Financial Institutions Web site features an array of resources designed to help consumers learn safe financial practices and how to avoid fraud, including brochures and materials on filing a complaint regarding a state financial institution, sending money to foreign countries, tips on financial transactions, a financial glossary, and a large clearinghouse of financial education resources for youth and adults.

There is a link to National Consumer Protection Week on the Home page of the DFI Website, see http://www.dfi.ca.gov or visit http://www.ncpw.gov.

The DFI oversees the secure operation of California’s state-chartered financial institutions. California’s financial institutions are symbols of safety and soundness. Protecting and serving California’s citizens through effective regulation and supervision remains the primary mission of the DFI. DFI ensures public confidence in financial institutions by protecting the interests of depositors, borrowers, shareholders and consumers through enforcement of state laws. In addition to posting information about the Department and its licensees, DFI’s Web site features consumer tips on a variety of financial topics and consumer brochures in seven languages.

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