Next SFCCA Meeting: Monday, July 18 – 7:00 p.m. at the Schweinhaut Senior Center, 1000 Forest Glen Road. Our guest speaker will be Eric Friedman, director of Montgomery County’s Office of Consumer Protection (OCP). Mr. Friedman will provide information regarding the latest deceptive trade practices in the marketplace, and current scams specifically targeting homeowners.

Based upon OCP’s experience investigating complaints and working with the police, Mr. Friedman will provide tips on how to avoid being victimized by out-of-state, unlicensed home improvement contractors and tree cutters. Known as “woodchucks,” these criminals drive into Montgomery County each day searching for homeowners who will pay thousands of dollars for unneeded work, shoddy work, or no work at all. OCP handles complaints regarding most all consumer transactions, including auto sales and repairs, retail sales, advertising, home services, and more.

Mr. Friedman has worked in Montgomery County’s consumer protection office for the past 36 years. He currently directs an office with a dedicated staff of 16 people and a $2 million budget focusing resources on consumer scams directed at minority groups, senior citizens, and vulnerable consumers.

I hope you’ll join us Monday night at 7:00 p.m. for this important topic.