Montgomery County’s Office of Consumer Protection and Montgomery County Public Libraries Celebrate National Consumer Protection Week

For Immediate Release: Tuesday, March 3, 2020

Montgomery County’s Office of Consumer Protection (OCP) and Montgomery County’s Public Libraries (MCPL) are partnering to bring the National Consumer Protection Week Roadshow to libraries and around the County during National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), which takes place March 1 to 7. The free events can help people understand their consumer rights and make well-informed decisions about money.

The roadshows will have information to help consumers protect themselves from fraud, identity theft and scams. There also will be information about the best way to use credit, how to shop for a used car or maximize your security online. The roadshow also will tell residents how to file a complaint with the OCP and possibly how to avoid litigation.

OCP representatives will be available at the following branches to speak with residents, answer questions, and provide details on how to file complaints:

• Wheaton: Tuesday, March 3; 5 to 7 p.m.  
• Connie Morella (Bethesda): Wednesday, March 4; 2 to 4 p.m.
• Rockville: Thursday, March 5: 3 to 5 p.m.
• Quince Orchard: Friday, March 6, 2 to 4 p.m.

“The collaboration with MCPL is very important to us as it is a natural partner in consumer education,” said OCP Director Eric S. Friedman. “It is vitally important for consumers to know their rights and how to avoid scams.”

MCPL Director Anita Vassallo said: “National Consumer Protection Week is a great platform to remind residents that MCPL offers a wide range of free programs, books and resources to help residents make informed consumer decisions.".

OCP and MCPL have created a flyer with the Roadshow schedule, which in addition to English, is available in Amharic, Chinese, French, Korean, Spanish and Vietnamese.

Go to OCP website for more information on the OCP and the services it offers the consumer and business communities. Visit the MCPL website to check out books on creating family budgets, credit repair, individuals rights when facing debt collection and improving personal finance.

Release ID: 20-066
Media Contact: Neil Greenberger 240-777-6532