CFO's Press Office Press Release:

TALLAHASSEE –

Florida CFO Alex Sink is encouraging Floridians to learn more about how to protect themselves from scams by participating in National Consumer Protection Week 2010. CFO Sink’s Department of Financial Services is hosting or participating in more than 20 events around the state during this week.

"In my own Department, we have been working with Florida's consumers to give them the tools they need to protect themselves from financial fraud and make smart financial decisions," said CFO Sink. "From teaching seniors how to protect themselves from scammers to helping Floridians stay in their homes, to advising residents on insurance issues, one of my top priorities is standing up for Florida's consumers."

CFO Sink’s Division of Consumer Services helped nearly 269,000 consumers last through her Consumer Helpline, recovering more than $22 million in refunds and claims payments for consumers. In addition, Consumer Services provided nearly 1,100 free community outreach programs on a wide range of financial and insurance subjects, including CFO Sink’s key initiatives: Florida Housing Help, for Floridians facing foreclosure and Safeguard Our Seniors, which teaches seniors and their caretakers how to avoid financial fraud. CFO Sink also oversees Florida’s Financial Literacy Council which provides a Financial Literacy Library of consumer education programs available around the state.

For more information from CFO Sink's Department of Financial Services, including a calendar of Consumer Services events throughout the state, visit www.MyFloridaCFO.com. Consumers who have questions or complaints can also call 850-413-3089 or toll-free 1-877-My-FL-CFO (1-877-693-5236). For more information on National Consumer Protection Week, visit the web site at www.consumer.gov.