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.  (March 9, 2009)

In a Fix Over Builder's Flaws - Washington Post Columnist --Columnist Benny L. Kass offers housing advice.
(March 7, 2009) 

Free Gas--NBC TV-4--Report on deceptive advertising by merchants offering "Free Gas" promotions to attract customers.
(October 7, 2008)

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.  (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.”  (December 10, 2008)

Free Gas--NBC TV-4--Report on deceptive advertising by merchants offering "Free Gas" promotions to attract customers.
(October 7, 2008)

Auto dealers and our settlement agreements --Fox TV 5--News report about OCP settlement agreements with 5 auto dealers regarding misleading advertising.
(Sept. 8, 2008)

Rental Scams on the Craigs List --Fox TV 5--Beware of Apartment Rental Scams advertised on internet sites like Craigs List. Once you lose your money it may be too late. (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. (June 16, 2008)

IRS Stimuls Checks scams--FOX TV 5--Consumers are eagerly awaiting their IRS stimulus checks but scam artists are trying to beat them to it.

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. (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. (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 which may contain counterfeit testing certifications. (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. (December 13, 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. (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. (November 13, 2007)

Warner Company Settlement--TV News Channel 7 ITeam County Executive Isiah Leggett and County Councilmember Phil Andrews announced that OCP will be distributing over $1 million to consumers who had been overcharged by Warner Plumbing Company. (August 1, 2007)

Foreclosures--the County's "Montgomery Focus" show County Cable 6 television show on the increase in Foreclosure's in the County (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. (July 18, 2007)

Facing Foreclosures--TV News Channel 7 The foreclosure rate in Montgomery County has increased over 1300%. (July 16, 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.(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. (August 29, 2006)