Legal Services of Southern Missouri (LSSM) has created a Consumer Fraud Task Force to assist in the prevention of consumer fraud by enhancing awareness and prevention in the Springfield metropolitan area. The Task Force will also share information and coordinate activities on consumer fraud cases.
“The Southern Missouri Consumer Fraud Task Force” was formed by LSSM’s Executive Director Doug Kays to attack the growing problem of consumer fraud. LSSM was participating in the St. Louis Consumer Fraud Task Force; however, after seeing an increased number of consumer complaints from senior citizens and low-income families that were unique to Southern Missouri, Mr. Kays determined the region needed its own Task Force. Representatives from LSSM, the Better Business Bureau, Consumer Credit Counseling of Springfield, Greene County Sheriff’s Department, Greene County Prosecutor’s Office, Missouri Attorney General, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, FBI, Springfield Police Department and the Federal Trade Commission have formed an alliance to take action to fight fraud and to empower consumers allowing them to make informed marketplace decisions. The Task Force serves as a link to various agencies to provide updated information on fraud and deceptive practices occurring in the region and shares information assisting investigations and legal actions.