Attorney General's News Release

August 29, 2006

Updated student consumer guide from Attorney General Nixon can help students avoid fraud

Jefferson City, Mo. — Just as the state's college and high school students are headed back for another school year, Attorney General Jay Nixon has produced an updated version of his Student Consumer Guide. Nixon's office has already distributed thousands of copies of the guide to Missouri's universities and colleges.

Copies of the free 28-page booklet, which covers such issues as landlord-tenant laws, finances, Internet, car shopping and employment, can be ordered by individuals and organizations through the Attorney General's Web site at www.ago.mo.gov or by calling the Attorney General's office at 1-800-392-8222.

“Con artists have been targeting students for their scams for some time, because while students have tremendous purchasing power they are also often inexperienced consumers,” Nixon said. “The ability to identify fraud and protect your rights as a consumer is an important part of a student's education.”

The 2006 revision of the guide includes significant changes, with new information on cell phones, identity theft, car shopping, managing credit and more.

The guide also includes areas of interest such as credit cards, which have become a greater concern in recent years because of the ease with which the cards are obtained. Many students obtain credit cards through pre-approved mailing offers or on-campus displays that offer free items such as T-shirts for filling out an application.

“Frequently, these seemingly innocent offers result in students graduating in heavy debt and thus ruining their credit history before it gets started,” Nixon added. “We're using this guide as a resource to encourage students to use caution when solicited by credit card companies.”

The guide includes a toll-free number for students experiencing financial problems to call, as well as a telephone number consumers can call to decrease the credit card offers they receive.

Inquiries from consumers should be directed to consumer@ago.mo.gov or 1-800-392-8222 (from within Missouri) or 573-751-3321 (outside Missouri).

All media inquiries should be directed to Press Secretary John Fougere.

E-mail      Phone: 573-751-8844         Fax: 573-751-5818