Montgomery County Office of Consumer Protection

06/12/2026

June is Elder Abuse Awareness Month, and we’re launching a special two‑part Consumer Connection podcast series that highlights the power of community voices in keeping older adults safe.

This time, we are featuring three incredible advocates from the Montgomery County Police Department’s Keeping Seniors Safe program — Judith Boivin, Dolores Miller, and Jane Dean — who share how surviving scams inspired them to educate and empower their peers. Their stories are real, eye‑opening, and full of practical insights every older adult and family should hear.

Tune in to Consumer Connection and help spread awareness all month long.

🎧: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2385106/episodes/19335213

📺: https://youtu.be/OxjM0ettmeo

06/02/2026

A new Consumer Connection episode is here!

Making the right home improvement decision is key.

This month, we’re joined by Matthew Kaufman, OCP Investigator and licensed home inspector, to share what homeowners need to know about contractor selection, energy-efficient upgrades, long-term planning, and avoiding scams.

The tips given in this episode can help you make the best home improvement decisions to protect your finances.

🎧 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2385106/episodes/19254761
📺 https://youtu.be/uwGY_pPxpY8?si=HZ3nCxyrEcX64nxs

05/08/2026

💐 Planning something special for Mother’s Day?
OCP reminds everyone to exercise caution when shopping online and in stores for Mother’s Day gifts. A few quick checks can help you avoid scams and shop with confidence.

Watch for:
🚩Fake flower or gift websites
🚩 “Too good to be true” deals
🚩 Suspicious website links or missing contact information
🚩 Requests to pay through gift cards, payment apps, or wire transfers

Shop smart:
✔ Research businesses before making purchases
✔ Read reviews and ratings
✔ Double-check website URLs
✔ Stick to trusted sellers
✔ Use a credit card when possible
✔ Take your time before entering payment information

A thoughtful gift shouldn’t come with unnecessary stress.

For assistance or more information, contact OCP at 240-777-3636 or visit https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/ocp

MothersDay

05/04/2026

04/29/2026

A new episode of Consumer Connection is now available! 🎙️This month, we’re joined by Larissa Johnson, Residential Energy Program Manager at the Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection, to share practical ways to reduce energy use, prepare your home for warmer weather, reduce waste, and spot greenwashing and energy scams.

With simple tips and helpful County resources, this episode highlights how small, sustainable choices can lead to meaningful savings for your household. 🌎🏡

🎧Listen: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2385106/episodes/19029342
📺Watch: https://youtu.be/vYB8ViQy87Q?si=9zdMjy_6VTbHGSNf

04/24/2026

See something concerning? Say something (anonymously).

Did you know the Montgomery County Office of Consumer Protection has an Anonymous Tip Line? You can report suspicious or unfair business practices without sharing your identity. Your tip helps protect our community and ensures a fair marketplace for everyone.

✔️ Report scams or deceptive practices
✔️ Help investigators take action
✔️ Stay completely anonymous

📞 Anonymous Tip Line: (240) 777-3681

04/23/2026

La semana pasada entrevisté a una experta investigadora de casos de fraude, Michelle Escobar, de la oficina de protección al consumidor del condado de Montgomery en el estado de Maryland. Ella nos dio consejos útiles para todos y habló de los servicios que brinda su oficina. Escucha la entrevista aquí:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1oAcrSmBzLIOnlx6uJcNvwdqz1dTGZcFu/view?usp=sharing

04/23/2026

🌸Spring is the perfect time to review your home service contracts like HVAC maintenance, lawn care, pest control, and home warranties. Many of these services auto-renew or increase in price this time of year.

Before you’re locked into another term:
✔️ Compare providers and pricing
✔️ Check for automatic renewal clauses
✔️ Cancel or renegotiate services you no longer need

Taking a few minutes now can help you avoid surprise charges and save money all season long!

03/31/2026

Earlier this month, March was proclaimed as Consumer Protection Month in Montgomery County.

While the month may be ending, our commitment to protecting consumers, preventing scams, and promoting a fair marketplace continues every single day. If you run into a problem or notice something concerning, we’re here to help:
• Call us directly at 240-777-3636
• Submit an anonymous tip at 240-777-3681
• Visit us in person during walk‑in hours, Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–4:00 PM, 100 Maryland Avenue, Suite 3600, Rockville, MD
• Visit our website to learn more or file a complaint online: https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/ocp/index.html

03/28/2026

🔎 Before you hire, do your research. OCP offers public access to complaint records so you can review a business's history before making a decision.

To get started, visit: https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/ocp/lookup/disclosure_records.html