It's National Consumer Protection Week, a time when members of the state attorney general's office travel throughout Pennsylvania to tell consumers how to avoid being victimized by an ever-increasing number of crooks trying to separate them from their money.

Attorney General Tom Corbett said more than 45,000 consumers contacted his office last year to complain about shoddy contractors, unauthorized credit card charges, misleading solicitations and financial scams.

		Listen in Listen to Lawrence Walsh's conversation with David Sumner, senior deputy attorney general for Pennsylvania, about National Consumer Protection Week.

In response, Mr. Corbett set up a series of consumer education programs to encourage state residents to learn more about how to protect themselves and how to avoid being hustled. The theme of this year's programs is: "Read Up, Reach Out and Be an Informed Consumer."

In addition to educating consumers, members of the attorney general's staff will answer questions this week and next at the following locations:

10 a.m. to 3 p.m. today at Millcreek Mall in Erie and Du Bois Mall in Clearfield County.

11 a.m. tomorrow at the Waynesburg Senior Center in Greene County.

10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday at the Galleria in Johnstown, Cambria County.

10:30 a.m. Friday at Connelly Manor in Sharon, Mercer County.

11 a.m. Friday at Riverview Manor in Sharon, Mercer County, and the Perryopolis Senior Center in Fayette County.

9 a.m. to 2 p.m. next Wednesday, at the Mall at Robinson.

10 to 11:30 a.m. next Wednesday at the Beaver Valley Mall in Beaver County.

Senior Deputy Attorney General David Sumner said Pennsylvanians also can become better informed consumers by viewing the advisories as well as the new "identity theft toolkit" on the attorney general's Web site at www.attorneygeneral.gov.

The Top 10 consumer complaints in 2006 dealt with credit issues, including credit cards and debt collectors; Do Not Call problems; telecommunications, including cell phone sales and service and unsolicited faxes; buying services, including gift certificates, coupons, rebates; and motor vehicle sales.

Rounding out the Top 10 were home improvement contractors; problems with home purchases; Internet, including service providers; electronics, including cable and satellite TV; and motor vehicle repairs.

Credit problems were the No. 1 complaint of seniors last year. They also complained about energy, and health service and health aids.

The attorney general's office also has a Health Care Unit. But, before you contact it, call the health care provider, insurer or business; explain your problem; note the date and time of the call; get the full name, job title and phone number of the person or persons you speak to; and write down what you are told. If necessary, ask them to repeat it.

If that person is unable to help you, ask for the name of a supervisor or someone who has the authority to investigate your problem.

If you are told the problem will be corrected, ask for written confirmation and confirm your understanding of the resolution in writing.

If you can't resolve the problem, then it's time to notify the Health Care Unit.

Its toll-free number is 1-877-888-4877, which is answered from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays. Complaints can be filed online at www.attorneygeneral.gov.