Consumer Protection

Consumer information:

• File a Complaint - If you feel you have a complaint about any business transaction, you may file a complaint. Once your complaint is received, the business will be provided with a copy of your complaint and given ten (10) days to respond.
• Check a Business - Database of consumer business complaints filed within the last five years.
  • Nation's Top 10 Consumer Complaints
    
• Avoid Falling For A Business Opportunity Scam Know the warning signs of a fraudulent business opportunity - Watch this video for an inside look.
• Beware of Auto Loan Modification Scams:
  You may be able to drive a better deal with your lender.

• Chatting With Kids About Being Online - Teach children to be web smart.
• First Large-Scale Look at Child ID Theft
  Learn how identity thieves target children for unused Social Security numbers.

• Post Disaster Consumer Tips - En Español
• Price Gouging information
• Find Forecloser help here

In the News:

• Consumer alert:
  • Beware of the “Can You Hear Me?” robocall scam

  • Credit card skimming devices on fuel pumps

• Towing Ordinance
• Human Trafficking Signage Ordinance
• Connie's Consumer Corner
  
• Pain Management Clinic Permitting
• Consumer Protection Brochure - En Español
  Buyer Beware! Sometimes it is hard to spot fraud when it is happening. Scams can be large or small, simple or sophisticated, but the people behind them have two things in common. They want to steal your money and avoid being caught. The reality is anyone
  could fall victim to a scam, no matter what your age, intellect or economic status.
• Regulatory Programs Information
  
• Identity Theft - information on identity theft.
• National DO NOT CALL Registry - Stop unsolicited calls

• Agency partnerships make an impact
  Pinellas County Consumer Protection partnered with the Federal Trade Commission and other area agencies on Operation Tele-Phoney , a recent telemarketing fraud sweep.
• Know Your Homeowners or Condominium Association
  Being engaged and knowing the rules can help ensure your local association meets your expectations and the needs of your community:
  • Community appearance – minimum standards for maintenance of homes, maintain property values
    
  • Association management - provide an avenue to address common neighborhood concerns
    
  • Recreational amenities and common areas maintenance
  • For a better understanding of registration requirements, additional resources and information see Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation
    
  • Additional resources and information on condominium associations

For more information or questions:

• Contact Consumer Protection

Videos:

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