Consumer Protection

Pinellas County is celebrating National Consumer Protection Week March 1-7, 2015. Click here to find out more and get involved!


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
  The Office of Consumer Protection maintains a database of consumer business complaints filed within the last five years.
  • Nation's Top 10 Consumer Complaints
    The report highlights new complaints and other challenges to Consumers and Consumer Protection Agencies.
    
• Beware of Auto Loan Modification Scams:
  You may be able to drive a better deal with your lender.

• First Large-Scale Look at Child ID Theft
  This new report offers startling details into how identity thieves target children for unused Social Security numbers.

• Chatting With Kids About Being Online
  Teach children to be web smart through examples found in NetCetera.

• Avoid Falling For A Business Opportunity Scam
  It’s the American dream to own your business; especially during tough economic times. Although many achieve this dream, others run into financial ruin by falling prey to scams claiming that substantial profits can be attained. Watch this video for an inside look.
  

• Worried about mortgage foreclosure?
  Find Foreclosure help here
• Home ownership opportunity for veterans
  Proud Ground Pinellas is an exciting new homeownership opportunity for Pinellas County veterans who have honorably served their country. Pinellas County recognizes the unique sacrifices of our military personnel and is proud to offer this program especially designed for the men and women of the armed forces.

In the News:

• National Consumer Protection Week!
• Penny's Consumer Tips
  
• Pain Management Clinic Permitting Update
• Consumer Protection Brochure - Buyer Beware!
  Sometimes it is hard to spot fraud when it is happening. Scams can be large or small,
  sophisticated or simple, 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.
• 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.

For more information or questions:

• Contact Consumer Protection

Videos:

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