Contact: Sue Rogan, 240-777-3722
For Immediate Release: August 30, 2001

"CONSUMER ALERTS"
NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE

Consumers can now learn about the latest scams and news affecting them by viewing the new "Consumer Alert" section on the County’s Department of Housing and Consumer Affairs’ web page.

"We are pleased to offer consumers a quick and convenient way to check on the latest consumer news," said Consumer Affairs Chief George Rose. "We will be posting information on any scams which are targeting the county, in addition to store closings, product recalls, and other news items of interest to consumers. We hope the information will be helpful in protecting consumers in Montgomery County."

Some of the postings currently listed on this web site include:

• Instructions for retrieving clothing from a Bethesda drycleaner that went out of business.

• Information on obtaining refunds for furniture orders placed with HomeLife Furniture Stores, after it closed its doors for business.

• A posting on a lottery/sweepstakes scam.

• Tips on how to avoid home improvement scams.

Consumers can also subscribe to an email distribution group and receive notice of any new postings to the Consumer Alert webpage. To subscribe, go to the hca.emontgomery.org website and click on "eServices".

For more information, call the Division of Consumer Affairs at 240-777-3636.