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arrowGive Wisely
Give Wisely
During these difficult economic times, many organizations are making charitable appeals for donations to assist those in need.  Most charities provide valuable services in their community. Read more


arrowSmart Shopping Tips Shopping Tips


With the holidays quickly approaching, here are a few tips to make it a successful shopping season.
Don't shop without them!
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Don't Get Scammed - Pinellas County Justice and Consumer ServicesarrowDon't Get Scammed!

Be an informed consumer and learn how to protect yourself from becoming a victim of foreclosure fraud. Click here for more information
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arrow Foreclosure Fraud Prevention TeamForeclosure Fraud Prevention Team Logo
Pinellas County’s Department of Justice and Consumer Services announces the receipt of a $100,000 federal grant to fight foreclosure fraud.  The grant will fund programs that alert homeowners to the dangers of foreclosure rescue scams and will offer direct assistance referrals for victims of foreclosure fraud to help prevent additional financial loss or even the possible loss of their homes. Click here for more information.


arrowAvoid Falling For A Business image of Fraud, An Inside Look videoOpportunity 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. more>> Adobe Acrobat Reader file
New! Watch this video video file for an inside look.


arrow Worried about mortgage foreclosure on your home?
A Statewide effort called Florida Attorneys Savingimage of house in foreclosure Homes has launched a toll-free hotline (866-607-2187) and will take calls from 8 a.m.through 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Callers who fear that they soon won't be able to make their mortgage payments or who have already missed payments but are not yet in foreclosure are urged to call.

arrow Agency partnerships make an impactTelephone
Pinellas County Consumer Protection partnered with theFederal Trade Commission and other area agencies on Operation Tele-Phoney,a recent telemarketing fraud sweep. Local agencies held a press conference where they announced the success of the joint operation. As a result of the operation, numerous actions were taken which will greatly effect telemarketing fraud.


Contract signing imagearrow Consumer Protection Activities
Over a five year period from October 1, 2002 through September 30, 2007, the Office of Consumer Protection has received 165,213 phone calls, addressed 13,341 walk in visits, conducted 33,317 business checks, and initiated 12,585 citizen complaints.  Refunds and adjustments have totaled more than $2.2 million dollars to consumers.  Of these complaints, 809 have been opened for criminal investigation accounting for 1267 victims.  The criminal cases have resulted in a total of 72.4 years of jail/prison time, 580 years of probation, $136,500 in fines, and over $2.5 million in court ordered restitution.

 

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