Tuesday March 11, 2008

For Immediate Release
March 11, 2008
Contact: Catherine Ribeiro
(202) 225-8020

Tierney Tackles Wallet Woes

Congressman hosts public consumer protection workshops on credit crunch, identity theft, mail scams and other financial protection issues

PEABODY, MA: — Are you down about debt? Is the credit crunch pinching your pocketbook? Do you know how to properly secure your identity? Sometimes, do you feel surrounded by scams? Well, you are not alone.

Statistics tell us that:

• In 2007, the average household carried approximately $10,000-12,000 in total revolving debt and had nine credit cards (USPIRG).
• In 2007, 56% of college seniors had 4+ credit cards, with an average debt of $2,864 (Washington Post, 2007).
• And, according to the FTC, identity theft is, by far, the top fraud complaint reported.

In light of these staggering numbers, Congressman Tierney announced during National Consumer Protection Week (March 2-8) that he will be hosting a series of workshops – open to the public – throughout the community. Tierney will be joining invited guests from various credit experts to tackle the wallet woes facing students, families and seniors during these tough economic times.

CONSUMER SAFETY FOR SENIORS

Who: Congressman Tierney
U. S. Postal Inspector
Representative from Federal Trade Commission
Representative from District Attorney Blodgett’s Office
*OPEN PRESS*

What: Panel Discussion Regarding Scams that target Seniors

When: Wednesday, March 19th,10:00-11:15 AM

Where: Peter A. Torigian Community Life Center, 79 Central St., Peabody, MA 01960

CONSUMER SAFETY FOR STUDENTS

Who: Congressman Tierney
Representative from MASSPIRG
Representative from Federal Trade Commission
*OPEN PRESS*

What: Lunch Roundtable Discussion regarding credit concerns for college students

When: Wednesday, March 19th
11:30-1:00 PM

Where: Salem State College, 352 Lafayette Street, Salem, MA 01970, Dining Commons, 2nd Floor

CONSUMER SAFETY FOR FAMILIES

Who: Congressman John F. Tierney
Representative from the Federal Trade Commission
Representative from MASSPIRG
Representative from District Attorney Blodgett’s Office
*OPEN PRESS*

What: Credit Safety 101 Community Workshop – parents and students invited

When: Wednesday, March 19th, 7 PM

Where: Newburyport High School, 241 High Street, Newburyport, MA 01950, Room 118

CONSUMER SAFETY FOR STUDENTS

Who: Congressman Tierney
Representative from the Federal Trade Commission
Representative from MASSPIRG
*OPEN PRESS*

What: Lunch Roundtable Discussion regarding credit concerns for college students

When: Thursday, March 20th, 11:00-12:30 PM

Where: North Shore Community College, Lynn Campus, 300 Broad St., Lynn, MA 01901, Cafeteria, 2nd Floor

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