Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel

Media Center

Contact: Marty Berkowitz
(614) 387-2962

Smart Consumer Resource Fairs scheduled throughout Ohio during National Consumer Protection Week

COLUMBUS, Ohio – February 25, 2009 – The Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel (OCC) is joining state and federal agencies, consumer protection agencies and other partners to educate consumers and provide them with tools to make wiser financial decisions during National Consumer Protection Week, March 1-7, 2009. The theme of this year’s activities is Nuts & Bolts: Tools for Today’s Economy.

Some of the information presented by the partners will include how to file a utility complaint, how to avoid identity theft, understand the details hidden in the fine print of contracts, recognize and deal with predatory lenders, income tax scams, stolen social security numbers and sweepstakes offers.

“The OCC is pleased to be taking part in activities during this important week,” Janine L. Migden-Ostrander, Consumers’ Counsel said. “During these uncertain economic times, it is especially important for consumers to have a heightened level of understanding of choices open to them as they endeavor to manage their utility expenses. Our office supports giving Ohioans access to the tools they need to make informed financial decisions that can help them lower their utility bills.”

In addition to the OCC, some of the agencies staffing the fairs will include: The Ohio Attorney General’s Office, Social Security Administration, Ohio Housing Finance Agency, Toledo Fair Housing, Legal Aid of Western Ohio/Advocates for Basic Legal Equality, Better Business Bureau, and The Ohio Department of Insurance.

An additional list of sponsors and a listing of scheduled events and speeches can be located by visiting www.ohioattorneygeneral.gov.

A press conference to kick off National Consumer Protection Week will be held at the Columbus Metropolitan Library, 96 S. Grant Ave. on Friday, Feb. 27 at 10:30 a.m. The first resource fair will be held at the library following the press conference. Members of the OCC Communications staff will be available to share information with the media about scheduled activities.

Information is also available at the OCC Web site, www.pickocc.org or by calling the toll-free hotline, 1-(877) PICKOCC (1-(877) 752-5622. Consumers with concerns or questions about their utility bills or service may also access these resources as well.

About the Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel

The Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel (OCC), the residential utility consumer advocate, represents the interests of 4.5 million households in proceedings before state and federal regulators and in the courts. The state agency also educates consumers about electric, natural gas, telephone and water issues and resolves complaints from individuals. To receive utility information, brochures, schedule a presentation or file a utility complaint, residential consumers may call 1-877-PICKOCC (1-877-742-5622) toll free in Ohio or visit the OCC Web site at www.pickocc.org.