The first week of February is observed as National Consumer Protection Week, during which we recognize the important role played by public and private organizations in ensuring that consumers are protected from unfair practices. The theme of this year’s awareness week is “Identity Theft: When Fact Becomes Fiction,” and this represents the second column dedicated to that topic.

At the invitation of Northeast COMBAT, Maine’s private, nonprofit consumer advocacy organization, Gov. John E. Baldacci is scheduled to proclaim Consumer Protection Week for Maine in a ceremony hosted by the Hammond Street Senior Center at 9 a.m. today, Feb. 7. The governor and representatives of COMBAT will remind Maine people that there is no better protection than to remain vigilant, informed and involved in efforts to educate and assist consumers of all ages who are potential or actual victims of consumer crime.

The ceremony is being held at the Senior Center to point out that senior consumers are increasingly targeted by consumer scams and schemes.

A consumer’s best defense is to be alert and knowledgeable; to avoid situations where victimization is possible; to be prepared if victimized; and to observe simple rules to protect against fraud. Be aware, too, that the Internet is a major source of consumer crime.

Never share personal information (e.g. credit card, bank account or Social Security numbers) unless you are absolutely certain the Web site or e-mail is authentic and secure. If you receive authentic-looking e-mail (from eBay, AOL, PayPal, or even your bank or credit union) asking for account or personal information, or claiming there is a problem with your account, it could be an attempt to gain information by which to take advantage of you. Local banks have recently reported such attempts to COMBAT.

Do not open e-mail unless sure of the source and, if it looks suspicious, contact the party you assume it to be from to ask if they have sent you mail.

Should you receive “too good to be true offers” of wealth, often presented in broken English from a foreign source (“Hello, I am Mr. Francis Tjumbai, former minister of commerce in Nigeria”) asking to use your bank account for a deposit for which you will be paid handsomely, remember: If the deal’s too sweet, just delete.

If you make a purchase or agreement in any fashion (at the store, over the phone, by mail or e-mail), keep a written record. Retain or print out copies of offers or advertisements as well as contracts, order forms, mailing addresses, people you spoke with (ask for a name), telephone numbers, Web site addresses, and other documentation. Having proper records and hard evidence often makes a big difference in fighting consumer fraud.

If you are invited by e-mail to a Web site with a familiar name (such as a major chain store), don’t use the e-mail’s Web link; instead, use a dependable “search engine,” such as Yahoo or Google, to find the Web site and access it that way.

Ask questions. Since you don’t have to write a check or take out your credit card until you are ready, you are in the driver’s seat. Ask questions until you are absolutely convinced you feel secure. Just say “no” to pressure tactics.

Never return calls to “toll-free” telephone numbers with unfamiliar dialing prefixes.

In addition, since this is Consumer Protection Week, when COMBAT gets a chance to toot its own horn after 34 years of working on behalf of the people of Maine, consider a tax-deductible donation or membership to Northeast COMBAT (109 State St., Bangor, ME 04401). It is only through public support that the COMBAT volunteers are able to help their neighbors. And one day, that neighbor could be you!

Consumer Forum is a collaboration of the Bangor Daily News and Northeast COMBAT-Maine Center for the Public Interest, Maine’s membership-funded nonprofit consumer organization. Individual membership is $25; business rates start at $125 (0-10 employees). For help and information write: Consumer Forum, Bangor Daily News, PO Box 1329, Bangor 04402-1329.