Free Virtual Presentations During Consumer Protection Week, March 6-12

Are you thinking of donating to charity?

Could your credit score use some help?

Do you have unclaimed money waiting for you to collect?

Learn all about these things and more for free during National Consumer Protection Week, March 6-12.

National Consumer Protection Week

In recognition of this week, our Consumer Affairs Branch hosts a series of free, virtual consumer presentations. 

Each day features a new event with most activities offered virtually. Residents are invited to learn about different frauds, including mail fraud and charity scams; or learn about protecting your privacy while using smart tv’s.

The Virginia Department of Treasury’s Unclaimed Property session – always a popular attraction during Consumer Protection Week – also returns virtually to help find literal thousands of unclaimed dollars for county residents. 

About Consumer Affairs

Our Consumer Affairs Branch is committed to ensuring that residents have the tools and resources they need to understand their consumer rights, navigate the marketplace and make informed financial decisions. Here are some of the ways you can benefit from the services provided by the office.

Consumer Complaints
The Consumer Affairs Branch handles complaints about local businesses and service providers. They assist consumers through advice inquiries, mediation and arbitration on a range of topics, including home improvements, landscaping, foreclosures, vehicle purchases, cable television, utility service, retail shopping and tenant-landlord disputes. 

If you feel you may have been the victim of fraudulent or illegal business practices, consider filing a complaint with the Consumer Affairs branch. You may also look up businesses registered with the county to see if any reported complaints exist.

Consumer Education
Consumer Affairs conducts educational seminars on consumer trends and topics, including identity theft; financial scams; responsible use of credit cards; retail purchasing and tenant-landlord responsibilities; and fraud. 

Audiences include older adults; students; and faith-based, community and civic organizations. The office educates and supports more than 2,000 homeowners, condominium and civic associations on issues relevant to common interest communities. 

Tenant-Landlord Issues
The Consumer Affairs Branch can also assist with tenant-landlord disputes. Residents with unresolved disagreements with a landlord can contact the office for advice or to file a complaint. Likewise, landlords can contact staff for advice and available resources. 

When a complaint is filed, a consumer specialist will mediate the issue and try to negotiate a resolution. If mediation is not successful, a voluntary, but legally-binding, arbitration process may be available before proceeding to court action. Consumer Affairs also provides staff support to the Tenant-Landlord Commission.