The Office of Consumer Protection (OCP) is a Montgomery County Government agency responsible for enforcing consumer protection laws under Chapter 11 of the County code which prohibit unfair and deceptive business acts to ensure a fair marketplace for consumers and businesses.
Our Director
Eric Friedman is the Director of the Office of Consumer Protection (OCP).
As Director, he leads the department’s mission to promote a fair marketplace for both consumers and businesses. Friedman has been with OCP for over 45 years. He began his career as an OCP Investigator, where he resolved thousands of individual consumer complaints and participated in litigation related to unfair and deceptive practices. He was appointed as the OCP Director in 2007.
Throughout his career, Friedman has provided testimony before various official bodies, including U.S. House of Representatives committees, the Maryland State Legislature, the Montgomery County Council, and the Washington D.C. Council. He has served, and continues to serve, on the Maryland Collection Agency Licensing Board for Governors O’Malley, Hogan, and Moore.
A strong believer in personal service, Friedman is especially passionate about meeting with consumers face to face—ensuring their voices are heard and their concerns addressed directly and respectfully.
Vision
We envision a future where all Montgomery County residents engage confidently in an environment of fairness, trust, and transparency. Our goal is that individuals understand their rights, disputes are rare and easily resolved, businesses act as responsible partners, and accessible information empowers everyone to make informed choices—supporting a stronger, more resilient community for all.
Mission
The Office of Consumer Protection is committed to fostering an equitable and inclusive Montgomery County by ensuring fairness and trust in the marketplace. We protect consumers from unfair and deceptive practices, help resolve disputes and provide education to empower residents and business to make informed decisions.
What We Do
Enforce Laws
The Office of Consumer Protection (OCP) enforces laws that protect residents from unfair or deceptive business practices. OCP investigates businesses, issues subpoenas, and holds investigative conferences when necessary. If a business is found to have engaged in deceptive or unfair business practices, we can issue civil citations, seek financial penalties, and request corrective actions. In some cases, we may ask a business to sign a cease-and-desist agreement, which may require restitution for affected consumers and payment for investigative costs. OCP may also refer cases to the County Attorney to pursue legal action in court.
Investigate Complaints and Resolve Disputes
OCP reviews consumer complaints about purchases or services made in Montgomery County. Our team investigates the facts, checks if anyone broke the law, and works to resolve the issue between the consumer and the business. We can't give legal advice or act as lawyers, but we do offer guidance and suggest other solutions if a voluntary agreement cannot be reached.
Register and License Businesses
We are responsible for registering and licensing certain types of businesses in the County, including:
- New home builders and sellers,
- Radio, television, and appliance installation & repair firms,
- Commercial parking lot operators,
- Auto repair and towing firms
- Secondhand personal property dealers
Educate Consumers and Businesses
We work to educate consumers and businesses about their rights and responsibilities. Our office is dedicated to sharing educational materials and offering engaging speakers at community events. We also actively respond to inquiries and publicize enforcement actions. These efforts empower consumers and help businesses stay informed about their legal obligations.
Mediate Conflicts
In appropriate cases, we refer complaints and disputes for free formal mediation administered by experienced professional mediators to help parties reach a fair resolution.
Offer More Programs
OCP also administers the County's Domestic Worker Law and provides the Patient Advocate service under the Emergency Medical Service Insurance Reimbursement Program. We also help candidates with questions about using the Public Election Fund.
