Consumer Protection Commission

Department Resources

Thirteen commissioners are appointed by the Board of Supervisors to three-year terms. At least seven are consumers not actively engaged in business in Fairfax County.

Harold G. Belkowitz, Esq.
Josef Gasimov
Denis Gulakowski, Vice-Chairperson
Dennis Dean Kirk, Esq.
Jason J. Kratovil, Chairperson
Pratik J. Kharat
Michael J. Roark
Jacqueline G. Rosier, Secretary
Dr. Maurice B. Springer
Paul Svab

Subcommittees

On October 17, 2023, the Consumer Protection Commission established two subcommittees:

Community Engagement Committee
Financial Scams and Fraud Committee

Additional information on these committees is included below.

Meetings

Third Tuesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. at the Fairfax County Government Center. Meetings are open to the public and time is available for public comment.

Mission

To help protect Fairfax County consumers from illegal, fraudulent or deceptive consumer practices in the marketplace.

GOVERNING DOCUMENTS

Consumer Protection Commission Bylaws - approved September 14, 2021.

Consumer Protection Commission Remote Participation Policy - approved October 18, 2022.

Consumer Protection Commission Special Procedures - approved September 17, 2013.

Resolution to Establish Consumer Protection Commission Committees - approved October 17, 2023.

Resolution to Appoint Members of Consumer Protection Commission Committees - approved January 16, 2024.

Consumer Protection Commission Community Engagement Committee Policy for All - Virtual Public Meetings - adopted March 4, 2024.

Consumer Protection Commission Financial Scams and Fraud Committee Policy for All - Virtual Public Meetings - adopted February 19, 2024.

Consumer Protection Commission Community Engagement Commitee Remote Participation of Members Policy - adopted April 16, 2024.

Consumer Protection Commission Financial Scams and Fraud Committee Remote Participation of Members Policy - adopted April 16, 2024/

Powers and Duties

Shall advise the Board of Supervisors on consumer affairs and shall report periodically thereto concerning the Commission’s activities .
Shall advise the Department of Cable and Consumer Services on consumer matters and on carrying out its duties and functions under Fairfax County Code Chapter 10.
May hold public hearings on and publish its findings on issues of widespread public interest which deal with illegal, fraudulent, deceptive, or dangerous consumer practices. May adopt, promulgate, amend, and rescind rules and regulations, subject to the approval of the Board of Supervisors, concerning such issues.
May refer apparent violations of any provisions of Chapter 2.1 (Virginia Home Solicitation Sales Act §§ 59.1-21.1 through 59.1-21.7:1) and 17 (Virginia Consumer Protection Act §§ 59.1-196 through 59.1-207) of Title 59.1 of the Code of Virginia, as amended, to either the Commonwealth Attorney or to the County Attorney or to both for investigation.
Shall have all powers and perform all duties specified under Chapter 28.1 (Massage Therapy, Establishments and Services), Chapter 31 (Peddlers, Solicitors, and Canvassers), Section 82-5-32 (Removal, immobilization, and disposition of vehicles unlawfully parked on private or County property), and Chapter 84.1 (Public Transportation) of the Code of the County of Fairfax.

Staff Duties

County staff handles the day-to-day inquiries for information, referrals, advice and mediation on a variety of consumer issues.
Staff is available to assist the public Monday - Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Receive and investigate complaints.
Refer complaints and action thereon.
Resolve consumer complaints.
Maintain records.
Consumer information and education.
Represent consumer interests.
Analyze consumer problems.

Agendas

Prior Agendas

Minutes

Annual Reports

Contact

Staff support for the Consumer Protection Commission can be reached at 703-222-8435, TTY 711, Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. or by emailing consumer@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Consumer Services Division

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