Office of Consumer Protection
Anyone could fall victim to a scam. If you are unable to resolve a problem such as defective products, erroneous bills or non-delivery of goods or services, the dedicated employees of Pinellas County Consumer Protection can help. Consumer Protection is a division of the Human Services Department.
Quick Facts
June is World Elder Abuse Awareness Month.
On this month’s Aging on the Suncoast, Jason Martino sits down with subject matter experts exploring Elder Abuse, Neglect, Exploitation & Consumer Protection. Guests from the Florida Department of Children and Families as well as Pinellas County Consumer Protection share their work in this field and the resources available throughout Pinellas and Pasco Counties.
Click on link below:
Aging on the Suncoast – Elder Abuse, Neglect, Exploitation & Consumer Protection – June 2023
News & Stories
View All NewsBeware of Health Insurance Fraud in the Marketplace
Consumer Alert Most people assisting consumers with health insurance are operating in good faith and in the best interest of their clients….
- November 29, 2022 The Office of Consumer Protection is Here to Help
- August 15, 2022 What can you do? Call Consumer Protection
- July 29, 2022 Beware of Unlicensed Contractors
- April 29, 2022 Pinellas Consumer Protection uncovers multi-state real estate scam
Events
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Information & Resources
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We Investigate
We work to find solutions that restore fairness and ensure legal compliance. Millions of dollars have been recovered for consumers through refunds, adjustments and court-ordered restitution. For assistance with a consumer problem, the first step is to file a written complaint online, by email or at our office.
Dispute Resolution
Our goal is to assist the parties in reaching a satisfactory resolution. The mediation process is conducted through telephone contacts and informal hearings, which are held at the offices of Consumer Protection, the consumer’s residence or the business location.
Criminal Investigations
Violations of consumer protection laws can lead to criminal charges resulting in punishment for the offender and possible monetary reimbursement through court-ordered restitution.
We Regulate
The Office of Consumer Protection is responsible for licensing and enforcement of certain county ordinances that help protect the citizens of Pinellas County. These include:
Licensing
- Organizations conducting bingo
- High-prescribing health clinics
- Adult Use establishments in unincorporated areas of Pinellas County
Monitoring
- Towing rates
- Human Trafficking public awareness signs
- Price gouging during a state of emergency
- Charitable solicitations
- Moving services
We Educate
- Our goal is to prevent you from becoming a victim of a scam.
- Consumer education presentations are given FREE to local civic groups, high schools and at community events.
- Always verify that a business has the proper license for the job or service and check their complaint history.
- Knowledge is your best defense against consumer fraud.
We Protect
Keep these helpful tips in mind:
- Visit www.DoNotCall.gov to reduce unwanted solicitation calls by placing
your telephone number on the national Do Not Call Registry. - Read the fine print before signing a document or finalizing a purchase.
- Beware of fraudulent offers and promotions that are too good to be true. These may include email solicitations, home improvement scams or high-pressure sales transactions.
- Never “wire” money to an unknown person. You should not have to send money to receive a free prize or promise of employment.
- Protect your personal information to reduce the chances of becoming a victim of identity theft.
- Visit www.annualcreditreport.com to review your credit report annually.
- Shop around, compare prices and obtain more than one quote for a product or service.