 Well have you ever received a phone call or email from an unknown source that was asking you for personal information? Scams like these are continuing to impact consumers all over the country. Sarah Winkelman shows us how to stay safe from current scams going on around the area. For 20 years now the Federal Trade Commission has declared the first week of March as National Consumer Protection Week to remind consumers to think smart before it's too late. By the time they come to me sometimes there's not a lot that can be done. Whether it comes through the mail, a phone call or online, always do some research before responding. There's a ton of laws on the books that talk about consumer protection and you know there's even crimes and all kinds of stuff but the reality is these guys are really hard to catch and if you're money, if you've spent your money you're probably not going to get it back. Scams of all sorts, shapes and sizes are circulating including targeting the 2400 people in Crowing County using or applying for energy assistance. They would send one out saying hey you've qualified for energy assistance, you just need to give us your big account information and we will put this money in to your account. Also popular right now are student loan repayment scams. Or pay us and we will pay off your student loans or we'll get rid of them for you or completely erase your debt which is not possible. If you're ever contacted and asked to give out personal information and something doesn't seem just quite right, reassurance is just a phone call away. Lutheran Socialist, how may I help you? So just as one last reminder, if it sounds too good to be true it probably is. Reporting in Brainerd, Sarah Winkelman, Lakeland News. Resources such as the Better Business Bureau, the Federal Trade Commission and Lutheran Social Service can help you identify or report fraud. If you enjoyed this segment of Lakeland News, please consider making a tax deductible contribution to Lakeland PBS.