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The Federal Trade Commission, state, and local authorities will convene a conference in Los Angeles on Sept. 7, 2017 to help educate military consumers and train military attorneys, law enforcement personnel, and consumer protection officials to address consumer fraud and other issues that affect servicemembers and their families. This event follows the FTC’s recent successful Military Consumer Financial Workshop, held July 19 in San Antonio.

The Protecting Military Consumers: A Common Ground Conference will discuss current and emerging issues affecting servicemembers and their families such as student loans and for-profit colleges, identity theft, imposter scams, debt collections, mortgage disputes and real estate fraud. 

“We must protect those who protect our nation,” said FTC Acting Chairman Maureen Ohlhausen. “Servicemembers and their families who are victims of or targeted for scams can rely on advisors, advocates, and legal resources for help – especially in Southern California. That is why we continue to promote these resources to our military and veterans through events like this one.”

The conference will include an overview of federal, state, and local consumer protection laws such as the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, the Military Lending Act, and the FTC’s and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s rules and regulations.

There also will be an opportunity for servicemembers and military attorneys to learn about resources that can help them prevent, detect and defend against consumer fraud, including counseling and information, one-on-one dispute resolution, fraud investigations for civil and criminal prosecution and legal representation.

The conference will take place at the Los Angeles Police Department Headquarters, 100 W 1st St, Los Angeles, CA 90012 from 9 am to 1 pm Pacific Time. The entire conference will also be streamed live online. An RSVP is suggested, as space is limited. To RSVP, please email only your name and affiliation (if any) to militaryla@ftc.gov. A detailed agenda will be published at a later date.

The Federal Trade Commission works to promote competition, and protect and educate consumers. You can learn more about consumer topics and file a consumer complaint online or by calling 1-877-FTC-HELP (382-4357). Like the FTC on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, read our blogs and subscribe to press releases for the latest FTC news and resources.