For Immediate Release: 3/6/2020 9:52 am
The City of Worcester Consumer Rights Program is visiting local businesses in the Greater Worcester area throughout National Consumer Protection Week (March 1-7, 2020) to educate them about how to avoid consumer complaints and how to best work with the program for resolution.
Every year, the Federal Trade Commission in partnership with the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office, encourages local programming and educational campaigns during National Consumer Protection Week.
The Worcester Consumer Rights Program provides education on a wide array of consumer awareness topics including identity theft, scams, the best way to use credit, how to shop for a used car and maximize your online security. The program, housed within the City’s Office of Human Rights, works collaboratively with businesses and consumers in Worcester to resolve consumer complaints filed through the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office.
Common types of complaints handled by the program include car sales and financing, consumer fraud, debt collection, defective products, home improvement contracts, identity theft, telemarketing fraud and utility bills. Since the program began in September 2016, it has closed more than 1,800 cases and has saved/recovered nearly $860,000 in consumer expenses.
“Scams, identity theft and fraud are becoming almost daily obstacles for consumers in today’s technologically advanced world,” said City Manager Edward M. Augustus, Jr. “Residents should use the Worcester Consumer Rights Program as a valuable, free resource to help navigate through any kind of consumer rights issue.”
The Worcester Consumer Rights Program is located in Worcester City Hall, Room 101, 455 Main Street. Visit www.ftc.gov/ncpw to learn how to get free consumer education materials and read the latest tips from consumer protection experts.
