2009 PRESS RELEASES
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February 20, 2009
GET THE FACTS DURING NATIONAL CONSUMER PROTECTION WEEK, MARCH 1 – 7, 2009
Contact: Marion Horsley, 804.225.3820
As part of National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), March 1 – 7, 2009, the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ (VDACS) Office of Consumer Affairs (OCA) is encouraging consumers to get the facts before making decisions that could affect them financially.
“In challenging times like these, reliable information is one commodity that retains its value and can help consumers make wise choices in the marketplace,” said Todd P. Haymore, VDACS’ Commissioner.
The theme for NCPW 2009 is Nuts and Bolts: Tools for Today’s Economy and Commissioner Haymore reminds citizens that there is a wealth of consumer information available from OCA on topics ranging from automobile purchase and repair to home improvement and extended service contracts. People may access the information in several ways.
For advice that is up front and personal, call the VDACS Consumer Protection Hotline toll-free in Virginia at 800.552.9963 or in the Richmond area at 804.786.2042. Knowledgeable telephone counselors are available weekdays from 8:15 a.m. to 5 p.m. to answer questions and offer advice to help Virginians steer clear of scams, recognize rip-offs, and make informed decisions that fit their circumstances and pocketbooks.
The VDACS Web site offers helpful consumer information. Click here to review Tips for Consumers regarding electronic commerce, health spa memberships and landlord-tenant issues as well as the latest consumer news releases.
Access the Consumer Portal and click on Searchable Databases to find out how many complaints have been filed against a specific business and how they were resolved. Also at the Portal, click on Charitable Search to determine if charities have registered with OCA before soliciting donations from consumers as required by law. In addition, the Consumer Portal provides access to the Complaint Topic Selector to help identify the proper agency or office that may be able to assist in the resolution of a consumer complaint.
The National Consumer Protection Week Web site is another resource for consumers. It offers links to consumer information that will 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. The site includes a link to order the free 2009 Consumer Action Handbook from the Federal Citizen Information Center.