FREEHOLD –  In today’s economy everyone’s attention is focused on paying their bills – mortgage or rent, taxes, utilities, car payments and so on. 

 

The Monmouth County Department of Consumer Affairs is also focused on bills. As consumers report a rising number of billing disputes, department staff investigates auto repair shops, mail order purchases, utility companies, doctors, dentists, hospitals and other professional services.

 

“This is our biggest complaint from consumers,” said Patricia Watson, director the county’s  Consumer Affairs department. “It concerns billing disputes that people have with businesses across several categories. Most often consumers report that they are being incorrectly billed or that they are unable to cancel services even when they were told that cancellation was allowed.  

 

In most cases, the Department of Consumer Affairs can help. To get additional information or to file a complaint, call 732-431-7900 or visit the county website at www.visitmonmouth.com.   

 

This awareness effort is part of the county’s participation in National Consumer Protection Week, March 7-13. This nationally coordinated consumer education campaign encourages individuals across the country to take full advantage of their consumer rights.

 

This year’s theme – Dollars & Sense: Rated “A” for All Ages – highlights the importance of using good consumer sense at every stage of life – from grade school to retirement. The various partners are promoting free resources to help people protect their privacy, manage money and debt, avoid identity theft, understand credit and mortgages, and steer clear of frauds and scams. 

 

“The message of National Consumer Protection Week 2010 is simple: It’s never too early or too late to become a more informed and empowered consumer,” said Freeholder Director Lillian G. Burry, liaison to the county’s Department of Consumer Affairs. “Regardless of your age or financial situation, there are useful lessons to learn about spending and managing money wisely.”

 

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