FREEHOLD – The Monmouth County Department of Consumer Affairs joined a group of federal, state, and local government agencies and national consumer organizations this week in taking part in the 11th annual National Consumer Protection Week, March 1-7.
 
The week is designed to highlight consumer education efforts across the nation. Information can help people get the most for their money, whether they are trying to stretch their paychecks, find a quick fix for a spotty credit history, or tell the difference between a real deal and a potentially fraudulent product or service.
 
“Monmouth County is proud to highlight the Consumer Affairs efforts during National Consumer Protection Week,” Freeholder Director Lillian G. Burry, liaison to the department said. “In times like these, information is one commodity that retains its value. We invite everyone to log onto the county’s Web site at www.visitmonmouth.com for the tools they can use to make smart choices in the marketplace.”
 
According to the Federal Trade Commission, scam artists, fraudsters and four flushers follow the headlines, and are likely to be using the economic downturn to take advantage of consumers who may be underwater financially. The county Web site has resources and tools that people can use to recognize a rip-off, sniff out a scam, and make smart choices for today’s market. 
 
“The county’s Consumer Affairs office enforces consumer laws and helps people whether violations are present or not,” Burry said. “Since the Department of Consumer Affairs was established in 1977 it has handled more than 50,000 complaints and resolved disputes, resulting in savings to consumers of more than $11.5 million dollars.”
 
In 2008, the department mediated 1,050 complaints and recovered more than $550,000 for consumers. Mediation includes letters, telephone calls, e-mails, faxes and informal conferences with businesses. If a business is uncooperative and does not appear as scheduled, the Department has the authority to subpoena, a function coordinated with the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office.
 
The Consumer Affairs department is a law-enforcement agency, created and funded by the Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders. It protects against consumer fraud and dishonest and unscrupulous business practices by enforcing the state Consumer Fraud Act and other regulations.
 
The Department also maintains a “complaint history” on all reported businesses that can be helpful to consumers who are considering an agreement or transaction with a local business. If there is an active file, the information may be very valuable.
 
“We are ready, willing and able to meet consumers and help them resolve all sorts of consumer-related issues,” Patricia Watson, Director of the Department of Consumer Affairs said.
 
Additional information about fraud and other consumer affairs programs can be found on the county Web site at www.visitmonmouth.com or by calling 732-431-7900. The office is open weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

 

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