Somerset County Board of Freeholders
The Somerset County Board of Freeholders is pleased to announce that the county Division of Consumer Protection has joined a group of federal, state, and local government agencies and national consumer advocacy organizations in launching the 11th annual National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), March 1 to 7.
NCPW 2009 is titled “Nuts and Bolts: Tools for Today’s Economy” and focuses on giving consumers resources they need to make smart financial decisions in today’s marketplace.
“The county Consumer Protection Office wants to empower residents by providing accurate information that can help them get the most for their money, whether they want to stretch their paychecks, find a quick fix for a spotty credit history or distinguish between a ‘real deal’ and a potentially fraudulent product or service,” said Freeholder Peter S. Palmer, consumer protection office liaison.
The public is encouraged to pick up literature at the Consumer Protection Office display in the lobby of the county administration building at 20 Grove St. in Somerville during National Consumer Protection Week. Residents may stop by from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Free parking is available in the Bernie Field Parking Deck on East High Street.
The display will have information on a wide range of topics, including how to get a truly free credit report, place a security freeze on a credit report and repair a bad credit record; spot a telemarketing scam; deal with debt; deter and detect identity theft; avoid home and auto repair scams; investigate home improvement offers; and file a consumer complaint with the appropriate agency.
Additional information will include how to purchase prepaid phone and gift cards and select charitable organizations when making a contribution, as well as understand refund-policy information, rent-to-own-a-home purchasing options, bingos, raffles and sweepstakes.
The Board of Freeholders proclaimed March 1 to 7 as National Consumer Protection Week at its Feb. 17 Freeholders’ meeting.
For more information about National Consumer Protection Week or to learn more about consumer education, contact the Somerset County Consumer Protection Office at 908-203-6080 or [email protected].
