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