HARRISBURG, Pa. (Legal Newsline) — Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro announced July 20 that he is creating a Consumer Financial Protection Unit that will work to keep state consumers protected from financial scams.
Shapiro appointed Nicholas Smyth, who helped create the federal Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), as assistant director of the Office of Attorney General’s Bureau of Consumer Protection.
“Protecting the public from financial scams is a key priority of mine, and Nick Smyth will help us expand our capacity to bring complex cases against financial companies that try to rip off Pennsylvanians,” Shapiro said. “If you think you’ve been scammed, let my office know at 1-800-441-2555 or scam@attorneygeneral.gov. Our consumer protection team is here to fight on behalf of Pennsylvanians and make sure they get what they paid for and get their money back if they don’t.”
Smyth and the bureau will focus on financial initiatives, with the goal of targeting lenders that prey on seniors, families with students and military service members.
“I am honored to join the attorney general’s terrific consumer protection team,” Smyth said. “The Consumer Protection Bureau saves Pennsylvania families millions of dollars each year, and I am excited to contribute to this great work.”