For Immediate Release: Thursday, February 26, 2026
The Montgomery County Office of Consumer Protection (OCP) will recognize National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) from Sunday, March 1, through Saturday, March 7, with educational outreach and community engagement activities. Consumer protection awareness efforts will continue throughout March.
“Consumer protection is one of those core functions of local government that people may not think about until something goes wrong,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “When someone is targeted by a scam, misled by a contract, or treated unfairly by a business, the impact is real and can be devastating. National Consumer Protection Week is a reminder that prevention matters. Our Office of Consumer Protection has been doing this work for more than five decades by investigating complaints, enforcing the law, and helping residents recover when they’ve been harmed. The more informed residents are, the harder it is for bad actors to take advantage of them. I encourage people to follow the tips the Office of Consumer Protection is sharing, listen to the podcast, and attend the community forum. And if you have a concern, please reach out. The office is here to make sure fairness and accountability remain the standard in Montgomery County.”
During NCPW, residents can expect:
- Daily consumer protection tips. OCP will share practical guidance on social media platforms, including Facebook, X, and Instagram, to help prevent scams and support informed purchasing decisions.
- Special NCPW podcast episode. On Tuesday, March 3, OCP will release a special episode of its Consumer Connection podcast that explores how consumer protection has evolved and how OCP helps consumers before problems arise. It will be available on YouTube and major podcast platforms, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music.
- Community forum on consumer protection. OCP will host a community forum from 10:30 a.m. to noon on Thursday, March 5, in the second-floor meeting room of Rockville Memorial Library, located at 21 Maryland Ave., in Rockville. The in-person event will feature a facilitated discussion to hear directly from residents about consumer concerns impacting the County. Advance registration is required by Monday, March 2.
- Consumer protection newsletter. OCP is launching a monthly newsletter to provide residents with updates, alerts, and educational resources. Residents can subscribe by selecting the “Consumer Protection” topic on the County’s subscription page to receive the latest news by email.
“For more than 54 years, the Office of Consumer Protection has worked to protect and empower Montgomery County residents,” said OCP Director Eric Friedman. “National Consumer Protection Week is an opportunity to reinforce that commitment and connect with the community as we continue this work year-round.”
Residents who believe they may have been impacted by fraud, scams, or unfair business practices can call 240-777-3636 or visit the OCP website to file a complaint. OCP is located at 100 Maryland Ave., Suite 3600, in Rockville. Walk-in hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.
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About the Montgomery County Office of Consumer Protection
The Montgomery County Office of Consumer Protection protects residents from fraud and unfair or deceptive business practices. The office investigates complaints, enforces consumer protection laws, licenses and registers certain businesses, and provides education and outreach to help residents make informed decisions.
Read the original article at mcgov