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TextNational Consumer Protection Week March 1-7
Feb. 24, 2009
OPA 048/09
News Highlights
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More Information |
March 1-7 is National Consumer Protection Week. The Consumer Affairs Branch of the Fairfax County Department of Cable Communications and Consumer Protection is offering free events highlighting the theme, “Nuts & Bolts: Tools for Today’s Economy.” Information, education and tools will be offered to help consumers make sound decisions when managing and spending money, selecting a loan, choosing a contractor and dealing with foreclosure in uncertain economic times.
Activities during the week include:
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Fairfax County Government Channel 16 broadcasts
“Consumer Focus: Tools to Avoid Debt Traps” on March 1 (1 p.m.),
March 3 (10 p.m.), March 4 (6 p.m.) and March 6 and 7 (3
p.m.). Guests will discuss the high price of short-term loans
that offer quick cash, but in reality trap borrowers in a cycle of
debt. Find out about a consumer’s experience, and get tools and
resources that offer alternatives to loans that charge triple-digit
annual interest rates. This program also can be seen online at the
above days and times with live video streaming or anytime with Channel
16 video on
demand.
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Tools and Resource Booth, March 2-6, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.,
Fairfax County Government Center, outside of Suite 127, 12000
Government Center Parkway, Fairfax. Consumer affairs investigators will
be available at a tools and resource booth to provide brochures, tip
sheets and information to help consumers make wise purchasing
decisions.
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“Tools to Stop or Avoid Foreclosure” on March 3, 11:30 a.m. to 1
p.m., Conference Rooms 4/5, Fairfax County Government Center, 12000
Government Center Parkway, Fairfax. Information for renters and
homeowners and tips to help consumers recognize and avoid foreclosure
rescue scams. There will be a panel discussion with representatives
from theConsumer Affairs Branch of the Department of Cable
Communications and Consumer Protection, Homeownership Division of the
Department of Housing and Community Development and Legal Services of
Northern Virginia. After the discussion, homeowners can set up an
appointment to meet with a certified foreclosure prevention
specialist.
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Meet with Investigators on March 4 – two locations, Annandale
campus of Northern Virginia Community College, 8333 Little River
Turnpike, Annandale, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and at Access Fairfax,
Suite125, South County Government Center, 8350 Richmond Highway,
Alexandria, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.Consumer Affairs investigators will be
available for advice, information, brochures, tips sheets and other
tools consumers need to make informed decisions.
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“Tools to Select a Contractor” on March 4, 1-2 p.m., Conference
Rooms 221A and 221B at the South County Center, 8350 Richmond Highway,
Alexandria. Tips will be provided on how to choose a licensed
contractor and to avoid home repair or home improvement
scams.
- “Tools to Avoid Debt Traps” on March 5, noon-1 p.m., Conference Rooms 4/5, Fairfax County Government Center, 12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax. Information about payday loans, car title loans, and tax refund anticipation loans to help consumers understand the impact of triple-digit annual interest rates, how consumers get hooked and how to avoid the debt trap.
In addition to providing consumer education, Fairfax County Consumer Affairsinvestigates and mediates consumer complaints, tenant-landlord disputes and provides information to property and condominium unit owners associations in the county.
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Contact: Merni Fitzgerald, Director, Office of Public Affairs
703-324-3189, TTY 711, Media Pager: 703-324-NEWS (6397)
publicaffairs@fairfaxcounty.gov
To request this information in an alternate format, call 703-324-3187, TTY 711
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