Attorney General Kelly A. Ayotte announced today the Consumer Protection and Antitrust Bureau has published its second issue of The Consumer Advocate, a periodic newsletter produced by the Bureau.

Part of the Bureau’s role in protecting New Hampshire’s consumers from unfair or deceptive trade practices is to educate and empower consumers so they can protect themselves from unscrupulous business practices. In 2005, Bureau staff have conducted over thirty outreach programs to groups around the state, addressing such issues as identity theft and telemarketing scams, credit basics and buying a car. The publication of The Consumer Advocate is another tool used by the Bureau to reach New Hampshire consumers on issues that affect them.

Articles in the first two issues of The Consumer Advocate include information on free credit reports to be available in September, identity theft, credit card statements, filing complaints before licensing boards and things to know before purchasing a dog.

The Consumer Advocate will be distributed to businesses, agencies, schools and community associations. The newsletter is also available at the Attorney General’s website.

New Hampshire consumers with questions can call the Consumer Protection Hotline at 271-3641. The Consumer Protection and Antitrust Bureau maintains the Hotline weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.