Attorney General Greg Zoeller takes lead role in protecting Americans from consumer fraud

INDIANAPOLIS – Attorney General Greg Zoeller today announced he has accepted an appointment to co-chair the National Association of Attorneys General Consumer Protection Committee. As committee co-chairman, Zoeller takes on a national role in the fight against identity theft, foreclosure scams, deceptive business practices and other financial fraud schemes. Zoeller was appointed by North Carolina’s Attorney General Roy Cooper, who was elected President of the National Association of Attorneys General in June.

“The consumer protection role of the Attorney General is very important during these times of economic difficulties,” Zoeller said. “Too many of our citizens are vulnerable to a growing number of scams being run by ever more sophisticated rings that prey on the elderly, unemployed and those who are desperate for financial help. Working together, Attorneys General are better able to provide the greater protection needed while pursuing those who have defrauded consumers in our states.”

The Consumer Protection Committee works to improve the enforcement of consumer protection laws by State Attorneys General. Additionally, the committee:

Supports multi-state consumer protection enforcement efforts
Coordinates training opportunities for law enforcement
Promotes information exchange among the states and federal agencies to aid investigations

“Protecting consumers from frauds and scams is critical in challenging economic times,” Cooper said. “I’m pleased to have Attorney General Zoeller serve in this key role to help coordinate consumer protection efforts among states.”

As committee co-chair, Zoeller will be reviewing the effect the newly passed Dodd–Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act will have on state consumer protection laws. The law creates a new Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection (CFP) which takes effect in October. The law also attempts to clarify issues of state preemption, particularly with regards to state regulators holding banks and financial institutions accountable to state regulations. Historically, individual states have been unable to take action against banks for violations of state laws. Zoeller is also part of a working group to research the new law and its implications to ensure regulations under the statute will provide for states to have enforcement abilities provided by the statute.
In addition to leading national consumer protection initiatives, Zoeller announced his office is the recipient of a $53,500 consumer education grant. The grant was awarded by a special committee of state attorneys general and is funded by a multi-state settlement with national retailer Sears. The grant will be used to develop educational programs for those most at risk for identity theft scams, especially senior citizens and college students in Indiana. The funds will allow the Attorney General’s Office to implement a train-the-trainer program by offering online identity theft prevention presentations via Webinar for consumer advocacy groups across the state.

Identity theft is the fastest growing crime in the country. Hoosiers can place a free security freeze, also known as a credit freeze, on their credit report to block identity thieves from accessing credit information and opening new accounts in their name. Freezes can be lifted as needed free of charge.

Visit www.IndianaConsumer.com or call 1.800.382-5516 to learn more about how to place a security freeze.