The Office of Consumer Protection:

  • Advises on consumer rights & responsibilities
  • Investigates & mediates complaints 
  • Handles landlord-tenant disputes 
  • Enforces the County's consumer protection laws
  • Licenses solicitors/peddlers & trespass tow companies
  • Presentations on consumer & tenant rights 
Graphic showing the many functions of consumer protection.

We're looking for a couple good people!

Howard County Executive Calvin Ball is seeking applicants interested in filling two seats on the Advisory Board on Consumer Protection. One applicant must represent a business interest group and the other should be a member of the general public of Howard County. The deadline to apply for these vacancies is April 19, 2024.

Under Howard County Code §17.402(c)(3), the Board is composed of seven voting members: two members representing consumer interest groups, two members representing business interest groups, one member representing an economically-disadvantaged group, and two members representing the general public. Board member responsibilities include participating in community activities, developing programs, conducting research, reviewing legislation, and advising OCP and the County Executive on policies, programs and practices that can improve consumer protection-related services in the county.

To be eligible for consideration, candidates must be Howard County residents, be 18 years of age or older, have an interest in consumer issues, and be able to attend board meetings, as well as work with the Board on activities and programs throughout the year as needed. Meetings are held the second Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Department of Community Resources and Services, 9830 Patuxent Woods Drive in Columbia, unless the Board decides in advance to meet virtually.

For additional information about serving as a commission member and to apply, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/boards-commissions.

Advisory Board on Consumer Protection

The Advisory Board on Consumer Protection works with the Office of Consumer Protection (OCP) to educate and protect Howard County consumers. Board members provide feedback and recommendations on OCP's programs, alert OCP to concerns they witness in their communities and assist in educating county residents on OCP's services. The Board submits an annual report to the County Executive and County Council. The Advisory Board on Consumer Protection is governed by Section 17.402 of the Howard County Code.

Learn More

Additional Resources

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Consumer Protection Videos

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The Office of Consumer Protection provides educational content through in-person presentations and through virtual webinars.  From scams, to home improvement, to debt collection, and beyond, the Office's YouTube library covers many topics.  Videos are available in English, Spanish and Korean.

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Language Friendly Initiative

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Residents more comfortable communicating in a language other than English can always ask for an interpreter to be provided by appointment. To make this process easier, the Office of Consumer Protection (OCP) has specifically recruited volunteers to help with complaints, investigations, and licensing. These volunteers speak Korean, Mandarin and Spanish.  

Consumers who wish to speak to OCP staff in these three languages should call 410-313-3820. The outgoing message will prompt the caller (in the languages) to press a number for the correct extension. Our volunteers will:

  • work with OCP staff to answer consumer and business questions;  
  • translate consumer education materials and articles; and
  • provide in-person or webinar programs.

If you need to communicate with us in other languages, please call 410-313-6420 and we will accommodate your request.

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Consumer Product Recalls

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Consumer related recalls are issued by federal agencies such as The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) for consumer goods and by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) for motor vehicles. Each agency has a search function to assist consumers in verifying their products.

Two notable CPSC recalls alerted by the Office of Disability Services' Loan Closet include:

The CPSC urges Consumers to Immediately Stop Use of Mobility Transfer Systems Adult Portable Bed Rails Due to Entrapment and Asphyxia Hazard

Drive DeVilbiss Healthcare Recalls Bed Assist Handles and Rails

Drive DeVilbiss Healthcare has announced the recall of four different models of its Bed Assist Handles and Rail. The four recalled models are:

  • Model 15064, Bed Assist Handle
  • Model 15062, Bed Assist Rail with Folding Board
  • Model RTL15073, Home Bed Assist Handle (adjustable)
  • Model RTL15063-ADJ, Home Bed Assist Handle (adjustable)

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled items and contact Drive DeVilbiss Healthcare to receive a full refund. Contact Drive DeVilbiss Healthcare at. 877-467-3099 or click here for more information. 

 

Essential Medical Supply Inc. Recalls Adult Portable Bed Rails Due to Entrapment and Asphyxia Hazard

Essential Medical Supply Inc. announced the recall of four models of the company’s Endurance Hand Bed Rails, including the Hand Bed Rail (model P1410), Hand Bed Rail with Pouch (model P1410-P), Hand Bed Rail with Floor Support (model P1411), and Hand Bed Rail with Floor Support with Pouch (model P1411-P). 

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled items. For information about refunds, contact Essential Medical Supply toll-free at 888-856-0111 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday, or visit essentialmedicalsupply.com and click on “Important Safety Notice” at the top of the page. Or, go to https://essentialmedicalsupply.com/products/recalls. More details can be found in the recall notification.

If you have any questions regarding these notices, you may contact Maryland Access Point, Howard County at 410-313-1234 (voice/relay) or email [email protected].

 

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Tracy Rezvani
Administrator

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