13th annual National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW): Free County Seminar on March 9

Montgomery County’s Office of Consumer Protection (OCP) has joined a group of federal, state and local government agencies and other national consumer advocacy organizations to celebrate the 13th annual National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), March 6 – 12. During NCPW, organizations share tips and information that help consumers protect their privacy, manage money and debt and avoid identity theft, frauds and scams.

This year, OCP will host a free seminar on Wednesday, March 9 from noon to 2 p.m., titled, “Recovering from the Recession.” Guest speakers will discuss building/rebuilding credit and managing debts, as well as issues affecting seniors. The seminar will be held at the Rockville Memorial Library 2nd floor conference room, 21 Maryland Ave., Rockville. Light refreshments will be served.

Pre-registration for the seminar is recommended as space is limited. Free tote bags will be given to the first 25 attendees. Register by calling 240-777-3764 or email consumerprotection@montgomerycountymd.gov.

OCP will also be answering consumer questions online throughout the week. Questions may be sent to consumerprotection@montgomerycountymd.gov. Include “NCPW” in the subject line. Answers will be posted on the Consumer Protection website at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/consumer.

OCP, the County’s consumer protection agency, investigates thousands of complaints each year involving automotive sales and repairs, new home purchases, home improvements, credit issues, retail sales, internet services and most other consumer transactions. OCP provides pre-purchase information to consumers and speakers to the community on consumer issues.

For more information and to check any merchant’s complaint record, call 240-777-3636 or visit OCP’s website at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/consumer.