Consumer Connection – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

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Consumer Connection

Michelle Escobar

Government

Frequency: 1 episode/49d. Total Eps: 9

Consumer Connection is a podcast brought to you by the Montgomery County Office of Consumer Protection (OCP) that brings you up-to-date news and information on a variety of consumer topics. It is your trusted source for connecting with experts on avoiding scams, making informed purchasing decisions, and understanding your consumer rights.

Join our host, OCP Investigator, Michelle Escobar, as she guides listeners to better understand the consumer landscape here in Montgomery County, Maryland, and beyond, while offering valuable advice and practical tips.

Have questions or ideas for future episodes? Email us at consumerconnection@montgomerycountymd.gov

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Apple Podcasts

🇺🇸 USA - government
15/09/2025
#98
🇺🇸 USA - government
22/10/2024
#76
🇺🇸 USA - government
21/10/2024
#76
🇺🇸 USA - government
20/10/2024
#54

Spotify

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Score global : 53%

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Home Sweet Home

Season 1 · Episode 2

Tuesday, October 1, 2024 • Duration 23:34

In this episode of Consumer Connection, host Michelle Escobar delves into the intricacies of hiring home builders and home improvement contractors. Joined by the Office of Consumer Protection (OCP) Investigations Administrator Patty Vitale and Business Education and Registration Unit Manager Shaun Carew, the team discusses key differences between new home builders and home improvement contractors, tips for consumers to protect themselves, and what to look for in a contract.

From understanding licensing requirements to handling disputes with unlicensed contractors, this episode is packed with practical advice to help consumers make informed decisions about home construction and improvements. Whether you're building a new home or considering a renovation, this episode is a must-listen for homeowners and prospective home buyers.

For additional information and resources, visit OCP’s website at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/ocp. Have a question or suggestion for a future episode? Send an email to consumerconnection@montgomerycountymd.gov.

Helpful links:
· Is a home improvement contractor licensed? https://www.dllr.state.md.us/cgi-bin/ElectronicLicensing/OP_search/OP_search.cgi?calling_app=HIC::HIC_qselect

· Is an HVAC technician licensed? https://www.dllr.state.md.us/cgi-bin/ElectronicLicensing/OP_search/OP_search.cgi?calling_app=HVAC::HVAC_qselect

· Have lawsuits been filed against a business? https://casesearch.courts.state.md.us/casesearch/processDisclaimer.jis

· Has the Montgomery County Office of Consumer Protection had previous complaints against a merchant? https://montgomerycountymd.gov/ocp/lookup/disclosure_records.html

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Welcome to Consumer Connection

Season 1 · Episode 1

Tuesday, July 30, 2024 • Duration 22:52

The Montgomery County Office of Consumer Protection (OCP) releases its first podcast, hosted by OCP Investigator Michelle Escobar! In this episode, Michelle is joined by Eric Friedman, the Director of Montgomery County’s Office of Consumer Protection. Together, they discuss a variety of topics including OCP’s history, changes in the consumer landscape, emerging issues, and much more. For additional information and resources, visit OCP’s website at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/ocp.

Have a question or suggestion for a future episode? Send an email to consumerconnection@montgomerycountymd.gov.

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Introducing Consumer Connection

Wednesday, July 17, 2024 • Duration 00:56

Welcome to Consumer Connection, your ultimate guide to navigating the world of consumer rights and protections. Hosted by Michelle Escobar, an Investigator from the Montgomery County Office of Consumer Protection, this podcast is your go-to source for staying informed and empowered in today's consumer landscape.

Join Michelle as she unpacks essential topics such as avoiding scams, mastering informed purchasing decisions, and understanding your rights as a consumer. Each episode features insightful conversations with experts, delivering practical advice and tips that are applicable whether you're in Montgomery County, Maryland, or anywhere else in the world.

Stay ahead of the curve and safeguard your interests with Consumer Connection. Subscribe now and get ready for our first full episode dropping soon!

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Exposing Gold Bar Scams

Season 1 · Episode 8

Thursday, August 14, 2025 • Duration 40:00

In this episode of Consumer Connection, we delve into the world of gold bar scams with a special guest, Detective Sean Petty from the Montgomery County Department of Police's Financial Crimes Section. Hosted by Michelle Escobar, an OCP investigator, this episode uncovers the intricacies of these deceptive crimes.

Tune in to learn:

What gold bar scams are
How these scams start and what it looks like when you’re being approached
What victims are told and how they’re contacted
How scammers pose as imposters and persuade their victims
Tips to help avoid such scams

We also discuss a recent gold bar case that highlights scammers' tactics. Don't miss this insightful episode, which aims to protect you and your loved ones from falling victim to these fraudulent schemes.

For additional information, visit MCDP’s website at https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/POL/index.html or visit OCP’s website at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/ocp. Have a question or suggestion for a future episode? Send an email to consumerconnection@montgomerycountymd.gov.

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Inside Cryptocurrency Scams with the FBI

Season 1 · Episode 7

Tuesday, June 17, 2025 • Duration 36:49

Scammers are cashing in on the cryptocurrency craze and targeting everyday people in the process. In this episode, we’re joined by FBI Special Agent David Paniwozik for an insider look at how fraudsters are using cryptocurrency to steal money through fake investments, impersonation scams, and high-pressure tactics. Learn what to watch for, how these schemes work, and how to protect yourself in the ever-evolving world of digital scams.

For additional information and resources, visit OCP’s website at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/ocp. Visit the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov. Have a question or suggestion for a future episode? Send an email to consumerconnection@montgomerycountymd.gov.

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Out of Work, Not Out of Options: Your Financial Game Plan

Season 1 · Episode 6

Thursday, April 10, 2025 • Duration 43:28

This episode of the Montgomery County Office of Consumer Protection’s podcast, Consumer Connection, explores how consumers can navigate financial transitions such as job loss, relocation, or retirement through smart budgeting, saving, and planning. Host and OCP Investigator Michelle Escobar is joined by Ira Rheingold, Executive Director of the National Association of Consumer Advocates (NACA), to discuss strategies for managing debt, cutting unnecessary expenses, building financial literacy, and creating a financial roadmap. The episode also highlights common scams that target people during vulnerable times, including fake job offers, moving scams, and retirement fraud, with tips on how to stay protected.

For additional information and resources, visit OCP’s website at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/ocp.

Have a question or suggestion for a future episode? Send an email to consumerconnection@montgomerycountymd.gov.

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Guarding Against Imposters with the Federal Trade Commission

Season 1 · Episode 5

Friday, March 7, 2025 • Duration 28:22

In honor of National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), we’re joined by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) for a special episode of Consumer Connection! In this episode, host Michelle Escobar is joined by Diana Shiller, a Senior Investigator at the FTC. They discuss the FTC’s role in protecting consumers nationwide and how the FTC works with local consumer protection groups. They also highlight key tactics and tips for avoiding imposter scams and deceptive business practices that listeners should know.

Learn more about the Federal Trade Commission: https://www.ftc.gov/

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Unmasking AI’s Role in Scams

Season 1 · Episode 4

Tuesday, February 4, 2025 • Duration 30:53

In this episode of Consumer Connection, we explore the use of artificial intelligence in scams and how it’s making them more convincing than ever. From AI-generated profiles in romance scams to deepfake technology in phishing and grandparent scams, we discuss what AI is and the latest tools scammers are using to deceive consumers. Host Michelle Escobar is joined by Keith Young, Chief Information Security Officer at Montgomery County’s Office of Enterprise Information Security, who shares how scammers leverage AI and the warning signs to watch for. Tune in for practical advice and resources to stay ahead of scammers.

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Safe and Smart Holiday Shopping

Season 1 · Episode 3

Tuesday, December 3, 2024 • Duration 34:52

In this episode of Consumer Connection, host Michelle Escobar is joined by special guest Tracy Rezvani, Administrator at the Howard County Office of Consumer Protection, to share essential strategies for holiday shopping. Together, they discuss how to compare prices, handle returns, and avoid common pitfalls like scams that target shoppers during the holiday season. Tune in for expert tips on smart shopping and staying safe this holiday season!

Helpful Links:

• Montgomery County Office of Consumer Protection:https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/OCP/

• Howard County Office of Consumer Protection: https://www.howardcountymd.gov/consumer-protection

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Consumer Connection – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

Recent rankings

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Shared links between episodes and podcasts

RSS feed quality and score

Publication history

Latest published episodes

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Consumer Connection – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

Recent rankings

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Shared links between episodes and podcasts

Other11

RSS feed quality and score

Publication history

Latest published episodes

Similar podcasts and content

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Other11

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities