(eWebWire.com) June 01, 2010 — WORLD WIDE WEB, June 01, 2010 (FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE) — No one wants to be taken advantage of, however in today’s society it’s a frequent problem. Oftentimes disguised in “too good to be true” deals, scammers tend to prey on individuals who can be a bit too trusting. That’s why it’s so important for people to educate themselves on how to distinguish between a legitimate company and a scam.

In their new Public Television series, World Progress Report with host Joan Lunden will focus on ways to identify legitimate companies from scams. While a majority of scams take place online, fraud can occur in many different ways. For example, con artists might try to swindle people over the phone via telemarketing. Many others might ask for donations to charities that do not exist, or are not properly registered as 501(c)(3) under the Internal Revenue Code. Regardless of the means of communication a scammer may choose, education on how to avoid these scams is imperative. That’s why the Federal Trade Commission’s Bureau of Consumer Protection can be an invaluable resource. According to their website, “The Bureau…works to protect consumers against unfair, deceptive, or fraudulent practices in the marketplace. The Bureau conducts investigations, sues companies and people who violate the law, develops rules to protect consumers, and educates consumers and businesses about their rights and responsibilities. The Bureau also collects complaints about consumer fraud and identity theft and makes them available to law enforcement agencies across the country.”

Though government agencies can help educate and protect consumers, education through Public Television can also prove to be beneficial. “People need to be aware of how to avoid being the victim of a scam. One of the best resources to spread information quickly is through Public Television. It’s our hope that through our World Progress Report series, people will walk away more informed and equipped with the necessary tools to avoid falling prey to scammers,” said the Executive Producer of the series.

About World Progress Report:

World Progress Report is a compelling series distributed to Public Television nationwide. Hosted by Joan Lunden, each program is specifically designed to educate the public on the latest issues impacting our society today. For more information, please contact us at (772) 237-8518 or visit us on the web at www.wprtvseries.com.