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News/Video Clips
Country of Origin – NBC4 TV Liz Crenshaw, of Consumer Watch, investigates food labeling and speaks with Eric Friedman, Director, Office of Consumer Protection, about following the manufacturing trail of food you buy. Air Date: September 21, 2009
Water scam turned off - Gazette Newspaper Water Purification Scheme misled Spanish-speaking Maryland residents into buying unneeded products.
Print Date: March 11, 2009
Water system scam shows a growing need for bilingualism in county - Gazette Newspaper Print Date: March 11, 2009
Web of Deceit - FOX TV 5 As more and more people lose their jobs and scramble for money, a record number are falling victim to “reshipping scams” and other “work at home” schemes. Air Date: March 9, 2009
In a Fix Over Builder's Flaws - Washington Post Columnist Columnist Benny L. Kass offers housing advice. Print Date: March 7, 2009
Cleaners Wanted - Fox TV 5 Fox5 reports on job scams. Don't be fooled by phony classified advertisements targeting job seekers and claiming that you can earn money by paying to apply for a job. Air Date: March 6, 2009
The Gazette Newspaper, Community Forum Commentary by Eric Friedman, OCP Director “The complexities of our marketplace have transformed the task of becoming a smart consumer into a full-time job. At a time when many consumers are losing their homes to foreclosures and others have torched their vehicles because they cannot afford their payments, people are reaching out for help.”
Print Date: December 10, 2008
Free Gas - NBC4 TV Report on deceptive advertising by merchants offering "Free Gas" promotions to attract customers. Air Date: October 7, 2008
Auto dealers and our settlement agreements - Fox TV 5 News report about OCP entering into settlement agreements with five automotive dealers regarding misleading advertising. Air Date: Sept. 8, 2008
Rental Scams on the Craig’s List - Fox TV 5 Beware of Apartment Rental Scams advertised on internet sites like Craig’s List. Once you lose your money it may be too late. Air Date: August 18, 2008
Home Improvement Work After a Storm - Fox TV 5 Consumers are warned about unlicensed contractors looking for work after storms hit our area.
Air Date: June 16, 2008
Rockville travel agent gets ticket to jail - FOX TV 5 A Rockville travel agent receives an 18 month jail sentence after she was paid over $50,000 by consumers for a trip to Hawaii but failed to provide the travel services. Investigation by the Office of Consumer Protection led to a successful prosecution by the Office of the State’s Attorney. Air Date: February 29, 2008
Arrest Warrant for Unlicensed Contractor - TV News Channel 4 and Arrest Warrant for Unlicensed Contractor - TV News FOX 5 - Office of Consumer Protection investigation into an unlicensed home improvement contractor who received $82,500 from a consumer but failed to perform the work. An arrest warrant has been issued and OCP investigation discovered that the contactor is also wanted in Fairfax County, VA for not being licensed and for attempted abduction and malicious wounding. Anyone with information about this contractor is asked to call the police. Air Date: February 21, 2008
Unsafe Electrical Products - TV News Channel 7 Fire Rescue Service and Consumer Protection find potentially unsafe electrical items for sale in Montgomery County. Press Event held at Bethesda Fire Station to warn consumers about electrical items that are not properly tested and that may contain counterfeit certifications. Air Date: January 28, 2008
Limo Companies Often Lack License - Washington Post Montgomery Extra Montgomery County's Office of Consumer Protection has found that many limousine companies operating in the county are unlicensed, and the office advises residents to check with a state licensing agency before hiring limousines for special events. Print Date: December 13, 2007
Unlicensed Home Improvement Contractors - The Examiner Newspaper OCP continues to work with the State's Attorney in initiating criminal charges against unlicensed home improvement contractors. Print Date: November 19, 2007
More Than Half of Limousine Agencies in Phone Book Drive without License - The Examiner Newspaper More than half of the limousine companies listed in the Montgomery County phone book are operating without a license, leaving customers vulnerable to unsafe cars, unreliable service and fraud, the Montgomery County Office of Consumer Protection said Tuesday. Print Date: November 14, 2007
Survey of Local Limousine Firms - TV News Channel 7 OCP reveals a survey of local limousine companies showing that 51 percent of the 136 limousine firms listed in the Montgomery County “Yellow Pages” telephone directory are not licensed with the Public Service Commission and 88 percent are not licensed with the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Commission. Air Date: November 13, 2007
Warner Company Settlement - TV News Channel 7 County Executive Isiah Leggett and County Councilmember Phil Andrews announced that OCP will be distributing over $1 million to consumers who were overcharged by Warner Plumbing Company. Air Date: August 1, 2007
Foreclosures - "Montgomery Focus" County Cable 6 television show on the increase in Foreclosure's in the County. Air Date: July 2007
Foreclosure Rates - TV News Channel 4 Consumer relates her story of being faced with foreclosure. OCP assisted her and has tips for consumers.
Air Date: July 18, 2007
Facing Foreclosures - TV News Channel 7 The foreclosure rate in Montgomery County has increased over 1300%. Air Date: July 16, 2007
OCP staff visits Langley-Takoma Crossroads during "Look, Listen & Learn Walking Tour" - TV News Channel 8 OCP Investigators toured a local Hispanic/Latino community to better understand the consumer protection needs and issues in the community. Air Date: June 19, 2007
Where Does It Go--Your Local Tax Dollars At Work - TV Show County Cable 6 television show featuring OCP and what we do to help residents in Montgomery County. Air Date: October 2006
Police Charity Scams - TV News Channel 4 OCP reveals a "charity" known as Police Protective Fund does not assist local law enforcement agencies and its proceeds primarily go into management salaries or operating expenses.
Air Date: August 29, 2006
Child Passenger Safety Program