Thursday was Consumer Protection Day at the State Capitol. The Oklahoma Attorney General was on hand to answer questions for consumers...along with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies and consumer groups like AARP. Of course yours truly, along with IYC photographer/producer, Marc 'Storm Chasing' Dillard, also got in on the action. We even handed out some tasty treats (i.e. homemade cookies and cupcakes). I can't take credit for either batch...my little sister baked the chocolate chip cookies and best friend Amanda (aka Princess) cooked up her AMAZING cupcakes. Both deserts were a huge hit, especially with a bunch of the secretaries at the Capitol. For the 5th year in a row, the document destruction company, Shred-it, provided free document shredding for Oklahomans free of charge...http://www.shredit.com/. Their giant shredders are the ticket. Thursday alone, the Shred-it trucks parked outside the state capitol shredded 10 tons of personal and financial documents...now that's what I'm talking about!
Brad Edward would be proud! His daughter, Ashton (a spitting image of her mom and KFOR's website guru), was also on hand to present this year's Brad Edwards consumer champion award to Teresa Tisdell, an occupational therapist who runs the outreach non-profit, NeuroResources (http://www.neuroresources.com/). The worthy organization helps the disabled -- specifically those without insurance --with rehabilitation services and medical equipment -- free of charge. Teresa is such a sweet lady and so deserving of Brad's award. We actually did a story with her and NeuroResources last month involving an Oklahoman man who was trying to get back his medical equipment from an out of state moving company (that reminds me...don't ever do business with Chase Relocation out of Illinois...they are awful to deal with). Teresa didn't want to be on camera during out first meeting with her, but I told her we'd make her a local TV star yet...and sure enough, the Attorney General picked her as this year's Consumer Champion Award recipient. She was a total pro during our taped interview and noon live shot. Great job Teresa! I've also included tips below about identity theft and how to protect yourself.
• Beware of appeals that are long on emotion but short on fact.
• Do not be fooled by charities with names that sound similar to a legitimate charity.
• Ask for written information before giving.
• Do not be pressured into giving.
Oh, and before I forget...AARP has a new tool they unveiled Thursday...an online toolkit that allows people, organizations and community groups to help older friends educate themselves on consumer fraud. Check out their website... www.createthegood.org
All in all...Consumer Protection Day for a smashing success! We'll do it again next year...
I'm Scott Hines...In Your Corner!
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