Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel

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Contact: Marty Berkowitz
(614) 387-2962

The Office of the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel will educate consumers during National Consumer Protection Week

COLUMBUS, Ohio – March 4, 2010 – The Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel (OCC) joins other agencies and partners to provide consumers with tools to make wiser financial decisions during National Consumer Protection Week, March 7-13. The theme of this year’s activities is “Dollars & Sense: Rated A for All Ages.”

Consumers will learn 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 recognizes the importance of teaching consumers to protect themselves from scams designed to take their money,” Consumers’ Counsel Janine L. Migden-Ostrander said. “Many consumers are unemployed or have reduced income. Understanding their consumer rights and learning to protect the money they have is critical. Our office supports giving Ohioans access to the tools they need to make informed financial decisions and choices that can help them lower their utility bills.”

In addition to the OCC, some of the state and federal agencies staffing the fairs will include the Ohio Attorney General’s Office, Social Security Administration, U. S. Postal Service, Consumer Credit Counseling, Better Business Bureau and Ohio Department of Insurance. An additional list of sponsors, scheduled events and speeches can be located at www.ohioattorneygeneral.gov/NCPW.

Several information fairs and speeches, which are free and open to the public, will be held in more than 40 cities in Ohio. Members of the OCC communications staff are available to share information with the media about scheduled activities.

A calendar of events that the OCC will staff is also available at 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 also may access these resources.

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 website at www.pickocc.org.