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OFFICE OF CONSUMER PROTECTION                  240.777.3636

Consumer News and Alerts                                           <<Archive>>

Towing Investigation Gets Refunds For Victims  01/10/13

A local towing company gives customers refunds after they were illegally towed from a Silver Spring parking lot.

Hidden Camera Investigation Uncovers Illegal Towing  01/10/13

WUSA9 and OCP Probe Shopping Center's Illegal Towing

Consumers May See Prices Rise in 2013 01/10/13

As a result of a recent settlement between banks, credit card companies and merchants, retailers may soon pass on credit card surcharges to consumers.

Office of Consumer Protection Cautions People Against Unlicensed Contractors 09/08/12

As homeowners continuing cleaning up after the Derecho storm, Montgomery County Office of Consumer Protection cautions homeowners against using unlicensed home improvement contractors.  Call us at 240.777.3636 for assistance.

Pepco, BGE Claim $2.4M in Losses During Derecho Storm 08/17/12

View WUSA9 News Video

NBC4 I-Team Exposes Illegal Car Dealer 08/09/12

Experts estimate 80% of online classified ads are unlicensed "curbstoners" selling potentially dangerous cars.   Read More Here

Office of Consumer Protection Objected to Allowing Utilities to Use Order Intended to Encourage Energy Conservation 07/13/12

The Montgomery County Office of Consumer Protection objected to allowing the utilities to use the order intended to promote green power for reimbursing utilities when they can not bill customers because the lines are dead.  View the Video Here

Office of Consumer Protection Advises Homeowners to Use Only Licensed Home Improvement Contractors  07/02/12

The Montgomery County Office of Consumer Protection warns county residents to be cautious when hiring contractors to repair damage caused by last week's severe storm and advises consumers to do their homework before signing a contract for any home repair or improvement, or tree service work.  Read Press Release

Gas Station, Motel, and Unscrupulous Contractors Under the Eye of Consumer Regulators  07/02/12

View WUSA9 News Video

Read Article WUSA9 Maryland News

Predatory Towing on the Rise in Montgomery County  06/15/12

Listen to Audio WAMU News

Read Article

Angry about towing? If You're in Montgomery, Join the Club.  06/14/12

Complaints about aggressive tow truck drivers are among the most common - and the fastest growing - in Montgomery County.  Read Washington Post Article

Avoid the Grandparent Scam  04/30/12

Consumer Protection Issues Report Regarding Inspection of Gas Appliances 02/23/12

Montgomery County's Advisory Committee on Consumer Protection has issued a report regarding the installation and inspection of gas appliances.  A joint investigation by the Office of Consumer Protection (OCP) and the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) found that a majority of gas appliances installed in Montgomery County had not been properly inspected following installation.  Read Press Release

Consumer Protection Reaches Agreement with Comcast Regarding Service Call Fees 01/10/12

The Montgomery County Office of Consumer Protection (OCP) in collaboration with the County's Ofice of Cable and Broadband Services, reached an agreement with Comast regarding the charging of "Truck Trip Fees" when an in-house service call is made.  Read Press Release