*Read MA Attorney General Campbell's Advisory on Artificial Intelligence*

We received a Recognition Award from MA Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell for our many years of public service

Mayor's Office of Consumer Information, a Local Consumer Program (LCP) of the MA AGO

Working in Cooperation with the Massachusetts Attorney General's Office

Click here for Attorney General's Office Multilingual Resources

City Hall, Room 315
Tel: (413) 787-6437 - TTY: (413) 787-6154 
Fax: (413) 787-7781
E-mail: moci@springfieldcityhall.com

OUR VISION: To protect the good of consumers and ensure a safe and fair marketplace, free and clear of deceitful practices.

OUR MISSION: To empower consumers with knowledge for them to make informed decisions, and to advocte for those who need assistance in resolving a consumer complaint.

OUR MOTTO: "Education is the Best Prevention!"

WHAT'S NEW? Since launching our very own podcast, The Consumer Toolbox, we've also introduced The Consumer Toolbox quarterly newsletter (find the link on the right column). To subscribe, send an email to moci@springfieldcityhall.com. 

The Mayor’s Office of Consumer Information (“MOCI”) is a Local Consumer Program (LCP) funded by and working in cooperation with the Massachusetts Office of the Attorney General  to help consumers resolve complaints who otherwise have to seek legal recourse through the court system. It serves residents of the City of Springfield and its surrounding cities and towns throughout Hampden County, as well as parts of Worcester County. The MOCI cannot guarantee the outcome of a complaint but ensures that it will, with the cooperation of both parties, aim to effectively provide consumer advocacy assistance in hopes of reaching an amicable resolution. 

Since 2000 MOCI has handled tens of thousands of complaints, advocated for consumers, and successfully recovered over $14 million dollars for them in the form of a refund or credit. It has held hundreds of community outreach events throughout its serving community.

The MOCI's services are provided throughout Hampden County, and the following Worcester County cities and towns*: Brookfield, Charlton, Dudley, East Brookfield, Holland, North Brookfield, Oxford, Southbridge, Spencer, Sturbridge, Tolland, Wales, Warren, Webster, and West Brookfield.

Spanish-speaking staff is available. 

The MOCI staff will educate consumers on their rights in many consumer-related areas and has an array of brochures readily available. Some of the areas the MOCI can assist with are:

To learn of your consumer rights, seek advice on how to resolve your dispute, or to request consumer assistance, call (413) 787-6437. 

TO FILE A COMPLAINT

NOTE: Consumer complaints are completely online in a centralized computer system at the Massachusetts Attorney General's Office (AGO) to bring to their attention any potential trends of unfair and deceptive business practices in our serving jurisdiction.

COMPLAINT FORM: File a formal Complaint with the MA AGO.

However if you need to request a printed version of the complaint form, or wish to speak with a case specialist before filing one, you may reach a Case Specialist at 787-6437, Monday through Friday from 9am to 4pm.

The MOCI brochure is available in English, Spanish and Russian.

CONSUMER RESOURCES:

Are you facing foreclosure? The MA Attorney General's Office may be able to help: Mortgage Lending and Foreclosures

For additional consumer protection information (Lemon laws and home improvement) visit: Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs & Business Regulation

Identity theft is the fastest growing crime in America.  Learn how to deter, detect and defend against it, visit: Federal Trade Commission: Identity Theft

Did you know that you are entitled to a free annual copy of your three credit reports, with no strings attached?  When requesting your credit reports, be sure not to use a public computer or Wi-Fi and allow at least 20 minutes for the process. Securely request your free credit reports from Annual Credit Report.

Are you feeling overwhelmed with pre-approved credit card offers in your mailbox? Did you know that they put you at risk of identity theft if they end up in the wrong hands? To stop receiving pre-approved credit card offers, click here: Opt-Out of pre-approved credit card offers

Would you like to reduce the volume of junk mail in your mailbox? You can actually stop junk mail by simply requesting to opt-out: Stop Unsolicted Mail, Calls and Emails

To stop telemarketing calls to your home or mobile telephone, register at: National Do Not Call Registry

Are debt collectors harassing you at home or work?  Learn what you can do to stop the calls your consumer rights: Fair Debt Collection

There is accountability for predatory lending.  The CFPB will "Educate, Enforce and Study" consumer issues.  Visit their website at: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

Before doing business with a merchant, you may want to first check its ratings and complaint history with the Better Business Bureau 

Elder scams and financial exploitation are on the rise. The U.S. Dept. of Justice launched Elder Justice, a website to help protect seniors

Be CarSmart! Buy a Car, Not a Lemon...

Are you in the market for a new car? Here's what you need to know to avoid buying a lemon:

  1. Take the car for a long test drive. Make sure you drive it on the highway and on a hilly road.
  2. Bring the vehicle to a mechanic to have it checked thoroughly before you buy it.
  3. The used vehicle warranty period is based on the mileage on the vehicle at the time of purchase, and not set by the dealer.
  4. Take it (yourself) to get inspected within seven days of purchase.
  5. A dealer is not allowed to sell a vehicle in an "as is" condition or with faults.

Learn more about the Massachusetts Lemon Laws. 

Flood Cars: Don't Be Left High and Dry When Buying a New Car!

Previously flooded vehicles from other states are creeping their way to Western Mass and being sold by private parties and dealers. Here's what to check to detect prior flood damage on a vehicle:

  • Rust on screws or other metallic items
  • Upholstery and seat belts for water stains
  • Underneath spare tire for water or rust
  • Engine compartment for mud or indicators of submergence
  • Under the dashboard for mud or moisture
  • Headlights and taillights for signs of water
  • Operation of all electrical components
  • Glove-box, trunk and storage compartments for mold or a musty odor

OUTREACH IN ACTION

We provide outreach events thoughout Hampden County and parts of the Worcester community.

If your school or organization is interested in getting empowered on a consumer topic (such as Scams & Fraud, Identity Theft, Credit, Buying a Car, Financial Literacy), please complete the Speaker Request Form or contact us via email: moci@springfieldcityhall.com. 

Update:

We currently only have a limited number of days available for outreach during the months of December, January and February, however we are currently scheduling/booking outreach events for 2025 National Consumer Protection Week (March 3 through 7). If you are interested in having us provide an educational workshop or tabling, please complete a Speaker Request Form (see above) and provide us with three proposed dates and we will do our very best to accommodate your request.

Your Consumer Rights...

What matters to consumers, matters to us!  We make this our number one priority. If you have a consumer question or concern, and need to speak with a consumer specialist, contact us at (413) 787-6437 or via email at moci@springfieldcityhall.com.

Other Helpful Contact Information:

  • Massachusetts Attorney General's Office: (617) 727-8400
  • Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs & Business Regulation: (888) 283-3757
  • Hampden County Bar Association, Lawyer Referral Service: (413) 732-4648

OFFICE HOURS

To speak with a Consumer Specialist, call (413) 787-6437 between the hours of 9am and 4pm.

Y si, se habla Español!

From the pandemic, we learned that our services were more in demand than ever before. The staff continuousy provided the same level of dedicated and uninterrupted service to consumers. We also quickly adapted to the use of modern technology (such as e-complaints, scanners, email, and virtual meetings). However we understand that not everyone has the advantages that we do. 

We want you to know that we are here to serve you. If you or someone you know does not have access to a computer or an electronic device and requires assistance, we are happy to accomodate them in completing an electronic-complaint. 

"If you have a consumer-related matter that's concerning to you, then it's important to us and we want to hear about it!"

We encourage you to contact us at (413) 787-6437, or email moci@springfieldcityhall.com

November 2024 Tip of the Month: Cybercriminals Want Your Cookies!

I think most of you would agree that cookies are delightful to eat. But then there are the treacherous computer cookies that are a danger to our financial health, IF and WHEN cybercriminals get their hands on them. 

Computer cookies are small files used by web servers to save our browsing information allowing the websites to remember our devices, browser preferences and online activity associated when we're browsing. Then there's "Remember-Me" cookies which are tied to a user's log in information, including username, password, and multifactor authentication for a period of at least 30 days before they expire.

To avoid compromising your information when shopping online, especially during this upcoming holiday season, you want to: 

  • Not click in the checkbox "Remember Me" when logging in
  • Not click on links or websites that appear suspicious at first look
  • Monitor your login history on your device settings to detect suspicious activities
  • Most importantly, remove/clear your cookies from your internet browser

Remember that a smartphone or electronic device is the same as a home computer or laptop and you should treat them the same (virus protection, avoid using public wifi, clear cookies/caches/history regularly) Simply stated, cybercriminals are coming after your cookies, not just your passwords. 

So, how often should you be clearing your cookies? I always say, as often as you browse online and are required to enter your confidential information (such as the ones I described above). Now, go grab yourself a delectable cookie, and get busy because we can never be too safe when it comes to online security! Follow this link for instructions.

~Milagros~

FALL 2024 NEWSLETTER IS OUT! (Click HERE to read)

Welcome Fall 2024! Consumers, the temperatures are cooling down however the scams are heating up! Scams are creating an uproar for consumers and keeping us busy, the more reason for you to stay up-to-date on the types of scams targeting our area and ways you can protect yourself. 

If you wish to receive a copy of our quarterly Newsletter, The Consumer Toolbox, or wish to subscribe, give us a call or email us.

Stay safe and remember to help us spread consumer awareness! 

~Milagros~

QUACK, QUACK...Is DuckDuckGo a Quack?

Question of the year: "Is DuckDuckGo real or is it a quack?...The honest answer is that DuckDuckGo is real and NOT a quack! 

I've been using DuckDuckGo for over a decade  now and I can assure you that it is NOT a quack (scam)! 

To learn more about DuckDuckGo and what it has to offer. Learn more about DuckDuckGo: safety or to download the App.

~Milagros~

Listen to our podcast: "NCPW 2024: Consumers Lost $10B to Fraud in 2023!"

This one is a real eye-opener!

Stay tuned for new upcoming episodes.

How to Complain Effectively

Are you having problems with a product or service you recently purchased? Learn how to complain effectively and have your concerns heard and addressed by the business or merchant. 

If your dispute remains unresolved and you need further assistance, you may want to file a complaint with the Massachusetts Attorney General's Office. 

Page last updated:  Wednesday, February 23, 2022 12:49 pm