Photo by Wallace Barron Soldiers get some helpful advice on how to protect their Social Security number from (left) Lila Bailey, operations supervisor, and Lynn Dominguez, a technical expert from the Social Security Administration of Augusta, during the Consumer Awareness Day program held March 4 at Gym 5. The Army Community Services office hosted their annual Consumer Awareness Day March 4 at Gym 5.

Representatives from the Army Community Service Outreach program, Social Security Administration, Merchant Credit Bureau, Atlanta Director of Veterans Affairs Loan Guaranty, Better Business Bureau, Atlanta Office of Small Business Administration, Fort Gordon Credit Union, Wachovia Bank, United States Postal Service and the Augusta Neighborhood Stabilization Program Consumer Credit Counseling were available to offer Soldiers, their Families and Department of the Army civilian employees some sound advice on a variety of topics.

The free event attracted more than 126 people, according to Barbara Brown, a personal financial specialist with the post's Army Community Services office. "We host this event annually during the National Consumer Awareness Week," Brown said. The theme changes every year, but the program is structured to educate and protect consumers.

"This year information was available to help homeowners facing foreclosure," she added. The U. S. Postal Service offered advice on how to protect oneself against phone or mail fraud. To learn more about mail fraud or to report suspected fraud, visit the U.S. Postal Inspection Website at usps.com/ postalinspectors.

The U.S. Small Business Administration distributed information about the "Patriot Express" program. It lists information for veterans and members of the military community to seek assistance in starting a small business of your own. Free and low cost online training for small business owners can be found at www.sba.gov/services/training/ index.html.

The Department of Veterans Affairs provided information about VA-Guaranteed Home Loans. The VA home loan guaranties permit eligible buyers to obtain favorable mortgage conditions. The Quick series pamphlets distributed during the Consumer Day Awareness program provided valuable information on determining eligibility, requirements for approval and the application process.

For more information about the VA-Guaranteed Home loans visit www.homeloans.va.gov.

The Better Business Bureau offered this information to prevent identity theft: clean out your wallet or purse, keep information you absolutely need; remove your Social Security card from your wallet and file it in a safe place; photocopy everything you choose to keep in your wallet in case it is stolen; and do not keep your automatic teller machine pin number in your wallet. It is best to memorize the number. You can call 1-888-OPTOUT to no longer receive pre-approved credit cards offers. If you suspect you are a victim of ID theft, the BBB recommends you contact the fraud department at each credit bureau. They can be reached by calling Equifax at (800) 766-0008, Experian at (888) 397-3742 and Trans Union at (800) 680-7289.