The Department of Consumer Protection fights hard to ensure a fair and equitable marketplace for consumers.

Volunteers are being sought to help low- and moderate-income people prepare their 2009 tax returns and obtain federal and state earned income tax credits.

Last year, the county helped 5,359 people obtain more than $5.7million in tax refunds and credits, mainly through the effort of volunteers. The county needs about 100 volunteers to help individuals this year. Learn how you can volunteer or register online directly.

Check out our comprehensive financial education section, with the downturn in the economy and the housing crisis you may find helpful information. View these short videos on personal financial management skills.

With the holiday season here, it is particularly important that you be a wise consumer. Our shopping tips can ease some stress, whether you shop on-line or at a store.  Learn about refund and restocking fee policies for the stores where you shop, and the new store refund law that took effect Dec. 1, 2009. If you are ready to join a health club, then read our tips or watch our video before you sign up.    

Our Senior Crime Busters initiative marked its first anniversary. This one-hour, elder fraud protection program which is available to your group provides tips on how seniors can stay safe and avoid financial exploitation. Senior citizens beware of the "grandson" scam.

We have so much going on: 

• New consumer protections against foreclosure signed into law.
• Read about the recall to repair all Roman and roll-up blinds due to the risk of strangulation to young children. 
• Parents and caregivers are urged to immediately stop using the recalled drop-side cribs. 
• New booster seat law took effect Nov. 24. 
• Find out how low-income consumers can save money on residential telephone service.
• The first phase of new consumer protections under the Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act of 2009 (“CARD”) took effect on Aug. 20, 2009.
• Results of our latest market basket survey.
• County restricts sale and use of phosphorous fertilizer.  
• Phosphorous fertilizer law has specific requirements for landscapers and persons and businesses which sell fertilizer.
• Don't overpay for certified copy of deed.
• Our ATM Fee Survey shows that bank fees vary and the surcharge imposed on non-customers can be high. 
• Swine Flu: Protect yourself from online scams.
• Find the best price for home heating oil or gas. Here are tips on how to save fuel.
• Home improvement contractors are #1 on our “Top 10 List” of consumer complaints. We continue to crack down on unlicensed contractors, enforcing a law that allows the county police to seize the assets of these contractors. Do your homework before you hire a home improvement contractor. Find out if the contractor is licensed and avoid hiring renegade renovators.
• File a complaint online or by mail in English or Spanish if you have a problem.
• Leaf blower law took effect Jan. 1, 2009. Also, first-time home improvement applicant must now pass a written exam prior to submitting a license application.
• Vea información en español.

And there is so much more: Learn about the latest consumer scams; how to avoid becoming a victim of identity theft; peruse our tire safety and nursing pillow safety advisories; obtain advice from housing counselors and free assistance on loan modification; review energy prices and read the latest recall and product safety news. Use our guide in English or in Spanish before you choose a credit card. If you are a debtor, you should know your rights and become acquainted with answers to frequently asked questions about debt collection. And for parents of students entering college, be sure to research and understand the many college financing options available to you.

Go to our A-Z Consumer for a comprehensive listing of consumer information, news releases and services. Additionally, you may contact us if you need assistance.