Office of Consumer Protection helps protect Howard County consumers resolve disputes and enforces consumer laws. Links provided by OCP do not mean endorsements.
Columbia, MD
Joined January 2010
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1/ With the recent floods in TX & the East coast, be wary of used cars on online marketplaces or at used car lots. Always vet the seller, check reviews, & get a mechanic to inspect before buying a used car.
Our @HowardCoEM says don’t leave your data vulnerable- back it up! If cyber incidents happen, recovery is faster if you back up critical info. Make sure to set up a plan to back up data automatically in a cloud-based system or external hard drive. #CybersecurityAwarenessMonth
Howard County Office of Consumer Protection retweeted
A good home repair deal can quickly turn into a dispute that costs you money and leaves your home unfinished. That's why my Office has a guide to help you spot home repair red flags and protect your wallet.
Get the guide here: oag.maryland.gov/resources-i…
Standards are everywhere. Explore @ansidotorg's new interactive graphic featuring 121 standards that impact consumers' daily lives. And see how many hidden characters you can spot along the way. ansi.link/Standards-Are-Ever…
Here are tips from @NFPA on safe charging
🚨Don't use cheap chargers, use the one approved by the device.
🚨 Don't charge on soft surfaces
🚨 Don't overcharge; unplug when fully charged.
🚨 Feels hot? Stop using it.
🚨 On a flight? Keep it in sight and not in the seatback pocket.
Watch this investigative report by @NPR on the hidden dangers of "free" skincare offers at local malls, hotels, or spas.
npr.org/2026/10/14/nx-s1-600…
Did you lose money to fraud or scam using Western Union? @TheJusticeDept is on Phase 3 of compensation justice.gov/opa/pr/departmen…
Howard County Office of Consumer Protection retweeted
It's Cybersecurity Awareness Month! Fraud is more sophisticated than ever, and scammers are using AI to personalize attacks. We share 12 ways to stay safe and reduce your chances of becoming a victim. hubs.li/Q04B7SMW0
#cybermonth2026 #consumerscheckbook
Howard County Office of Consumer Protection retweeted
Consumer Alert! Use the correct site for the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP): floodsmart.gov/ (not.com). If you need private flood insurance, either instead of or in addition to NFIP, visit our website for more information: insurance.maryland.gov/flood…
Howard County Office of Consumer Protection retweeted
⚠️Consumer Advisory: Shopping During Open Enrollment? Know What You Are Buying Before You Sign Up! Here are some things you may want to think about when shopping for health insurance. Learn more: insurance.maryland.gov/Consu…
ALT Shopping cart holding a health insurance card on a yellow background.
Howard County Office of Consumer Protection retweeted
What to know ahead of Open Enrollment to avoid health insurance scams: bit.ly/4AX8u0K
1/ AI is removing most of the red flags of scams. Here are remaining signs:
🚨 Urgency to act "right now"
🚨 Unusual payment method (gift card, wire, app, cash, crypto)
🚨 Unexpected contact (call/email/text)
🚨 Amazing offers
🚨 Generic greeting
🚨 Requests for personal info
ALT road signs spelling out See The Signs
2/ When facing these signs, Pause. Question its truthfulness. Protect your money and information. For more, see the #Scambusters' article: scambusters.org/hidden-signs…
Check fraud continues. If you still send or receive checks, you should be aware of fake checks, counterfeit checks or your stolen and washed checks. See below from OCP and U.S. Postal Inspection Service for more on these two scenarios. 👇
3/ Check washing alert by @USPIS_HQ uspis.gov/news/scam-article/…
2/ Flood damaged cars are not only a waste of money but can be dangerous. See buying tips from @NHTSAgov
nhtsa.gov/hurricane-and-floo…
OCP will be at "Plan For Today, Protect Tomorrow Safeguarding the Golden Years" a forum on justice matters affecting seniors ages 50 & up. The program will offer information on a variety of topics, incl. guardianship, estate planning, housing, fraud, asset recovery, & AI tech.
Along w/ tips by @AARP turn on call blocking technology. Your cell & landline carrier have free apps/programs which interrupt/flag robocalls, unverified #s, & #s associated w/ scams. Check your cell phone for software updates w/ scam interruption tech.
aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/r…
Howard County Office of Consumer Protection retweeted
