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OCP Organization
The mission of the Office of Consumer Protection (OCP) is to enforce several consumer protection laws prohibiting unfair and deceptive business acts or practices in order to ensure a fair marketplace for consumers and businesses. Our activities include complaint resolution, law enforcement, education, legislation, advocacy, licensing, and outreach.
Please contact us for assistance:
Main: 240.777.0311
Anonymous Tip Line: 240.777.3681
Fax: 240.777.3768
TTY: 7-1-1 Maryland Relay
Mailing Address
100 Maryland Avenue
Suite 3600
Rockville, MD 20850
Directions
Map
T: 240.777.0311
ConsumerProtection@montgomerycountymd.gov
- Complaints and Mediation
- Education & Outreach
- Merchant Complaint History
- Property Tax and Utility Disclosures
Business Registration and Licensing
T: 240.777.0311
OCP.Licensing@montgomerycountymd.gov
- Motor Vehicle Repair & Towing
- New Home Builders
- Radio, Television, and Appliance Installation & Repair
- Secondhand Personal Property
- Auto Repair and Towing
Eric S. Friedman, Director
T: 240.777.0311
Supervisor: Chief Administrative Officer
Manages and oversees the work of the Agency, as well as its budget, sub-units and staff. In addition, Director Friedman was appointed to the Maryland Financial Consumer Protection Commission which assesses the impact of changes in federal laws, regulations and policy and issues recommendations thereon. The MFCPC issued a Final Report in 2018. Director Friedman was also appointed as the Consumer Member to the State Collection Agency Licensing Board and to the Access to Justice Task Force.
Cindy Flores, Patient Advocate
Handles disputes related to the emergency medical transportation reimbursement process, and related consumer medical billing and collection issues. Serves as executive aide to OCP’s senior management team.
T: 240.777.3686
Supervisor: Eric S. Friedman
Patricia Vitale , Administrator
Supervises investigative programs and initiatives, including consumer education/community outreach, legislation and advocacy. Serves as OCP's Business Liaison and Public Information Act custodian.
T: 240.777.3774
Supervisor: Eric S. Friedman
Lorena C. Bailey, Investigator
Handles consumer complaints across a broad spectrum of topics, including retail, shipping, internet scams, and consumer issues affecting the Hispanic and Latino communities. Serves as the Coordinator for the Domestic Workers Law and Initiative (Bill #2.08).
Spanish speaking.
T: 240.777.3781
Supervisor: Patricia Vitale
Lasantha Dahanaike, Investigator
Handles consumer complaints across a broad spectrum of topics, including home improvement, landscaping, movers, and utilities. Serves on the multi-jurisdictional "Woodchucks" Task Force and as OCP liaison to the Business Eviction Response Team.
T: 240.777.3635
Supervisor: Patricia Vitale
Michelle Escobar , Investigator
Handles consumer complaints across a broad spectrum of topics, including home improvements, trade services and repairs, new homes and warranty issues. Serves on the multi-jurisdictional "Woodchucks" Task Force.
Spanish speaking.
T: 240.777.3742
Supervisor: Patricia Vitale
Lee Glass, Investigator
Handles consumer complaints across a broad spectrum of topics, including new home builders and home improvement. Serves as staff to the Board of Registration for Building Contractors.
T: 240.777.3727
Supervisor: Patricia Vitale
Sharon B. Margolis, Investigator
Handles consumer complaints related to automotive, sales, finance, advertising, and repossession issues. Coordinates legislation and special investigation projects as assigned by management staff. Serves as the Coordinator for the Estimated Property Tax Disclosure Initiative (Bill #24.07) and as Staff to the Advisory Commtee on Consumer Protection.
T: 240.777.3696
Supervisor: Patricia Vitale
Joy Matthews, Investigator
Handles consumer complaints across a broad spectrum of topics, including appliance repair, furniture sales and other retail issues. Coordinates and hosts the OCP's monthly Consumer Alerts program.
T: 240.777.3726
Supervisor: Patricia Vitale
Bernardo S. Vega, Investigator
Handles consumer complaints related to automobile repairs, used auto sales, home improvement, and towing. Handles consumer issues affecting the Hispanic and Latino communities. Serves as OCP representative on Energy and Environmental workgroups.
Spanish speaking.
T: 240.777.3780
Supervisor: Patricia Vitale
K. Samuel Buo, Jr., Administrator
Manages the Business Registration and Licensing Unit, administrator of the Business Compliance Unit, and manages OCP's operational functions.
T: 240.777.3760
Supervisor: Eric S. Friedman
Shaun Carew, Program Manager II, Business Compliance Unit
Manages the Business Compliance Unit which assesses the marketplace to correct noncompliant activities. The unit educates merchants and consumers about the County's consumer protection laws.
T: 240.777.3675
Supervisor: K. Samuel Buo, Jr.
Maurice Valentine, Public Election Fund Liaison
Serves as the person for candidates or residents to direct their questions about the public campaign financing program. Also serves as the Public Affairs and Outreach Manager.
T: 240.777.3740
Supervisor: K. Samuel Buo, Jr.
Jihan Hassan, Licensing Specialist
Processes applications for the Licensing Program. Maintains Licensing Program records.
T: 240.777.3732
Supervisor: K. Samuel Buo, Jr.
Hongli Liu, Administrative Specialist
Audits businesses to ensure compliance with the County's consumer protection laws. Provides onsite administrative support.
T: 240.777.3722
Supervisor: Shaun Carew
Brian Shin, Administrative Specialist
Audits businesses to ensure compliance with the County's consumer protection laws. Provides onsite administrative support.
T: 240.777.3686
Supervisor: Shaun Carew
Jeffery DeBord, Program Aide
Provides customer service and responds to inquiries regarding OCP operations. Assists the public concerning available services and programs provided by the Office of Consumer Protection. Collects and disseminates referral and resource information for OCP.
T: 240.777.3663
Supervisor: Shaun Carew
