Mayor Domenic J. Sarno joins with Director of the Mayor’s Office of Consumer Information (MOCI) Milagros S. Johnson and her team to recognize and celebrate National Consumer Protection Week.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, scams and fraud have peaked, and will continue to peak. This is why bringing consumer awareness to consumers during National Consumer Protection Week is vital.
The Mayor’s Office of Consumer Information (MOCI), a Local Consumer Program funded by and working in cooperation with the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office has information for you during National Consumer Protection Week — February 28-March 6, 2021 — and any time of the year.
Looking to protect yourself from fraud, identity theft, and scams? Maybe you’re wondering about the best way to use credit, how to shop for a used car, or maximize your security online. Here in Hampden County and throughout parts of Worcester County, the MOCI will be hosting virtual events. It will also be podcasting on its very own podcast, The Consumer Toolbox (available on multiple platforms), and tweeting (Twitter handle: SpringfieldLCP) daily to keep you informed and empowered.
MOCI’s motto is “Education is the Best Prevention,” and the office aims to provide consumers with as much education as possible to help them make informed decisions. Since 2001, the MOCI’s consumer advocates have successfully recovered over $13 million dollars for consumers, which is a clear indication of their commitment to their serving communities.
This year, a strong focus will be on Evictions and Foreclosures resulting from the pandemic. The moratorium is currently set to expire on March 31, 2021 and the MOCI wants to make sure that all tenants and homeowners have complete access to their local resources.
Mayor Domenic J. Sarno states, “If there’s one thing that really frosts me, its scam artists, especially those who do harm to our senior citizens. I am so very appreciative of my Director of Consumer Affairs Milagros S. “Millie” Johnson’s continued and dedicated efforts to assist those in need of these consumer protection services. This partnership with our Attorney General Maura Healey has been very beneficial, and I thank her too.”
Visit MOCI’s website at http://bit.ly/3pwRM29 for more information and resources. Also, visit www.ftc.gov/ncpw to learn how to get free consumer education materials and read the latest from consumer protection experts.
For consumer assistance, you can call the MOCI hotline at (413) 787-6437.