As the holiday season ramps up, the Montgomery County Office of Consumer Protection (OCP) has released a new podcast episode to equip shoppers with the knowledge they need to navigate the festive chaos with acumen. In the "Safe and Smart Holiday Shopping" episode, host Michelle Escobar and Tracy Rezvani, the Howard County Office of Consumer Protection Administrator, discuss key strategies for tackling holiday shopping, from comparing prices to setting a budget.
Shopping during the holidays, notorious for scams and overspending, McConnell County shoppers are offered guidance by Rezvani to mitigate these risks. "Our goal with this episode is to help consumers make informed decisions during one of the busiest shopping seasons of the year," Eric Friedman, OCP Director stated. The podcast emphasizes the significance of not just spending judiciously but also keeping an eye out for deceptive practices like bogus gift cards and phishing schemes.
The episode delves into the online shopping realm, dispensing advice on how to identify sketchy websites and safeguard purchases from theft, ensuring listeners' digital and physical receipts are managed securely. Eschewing the risk posed by porch pirates, it goes on to outline measures to protect deliveries from being pilfered during a period when doorsteps are frequently adorned with parcels.
Further enriching the podcast's offerings, listeners are walked through the process of validating charitable organizations by Rezvani, doing so to ensure that holiday donations make it to the intended beneficiaries. The "Consumer Connection" podcast, supporting these community-enriching dialogues, is accessible on well-trafficked platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon Music.
The OCP's venture is buttressed by technical support from the County’s Department of Technology and Enterprise Business Solutions through its Office of Broadband Programs. Located on Maryland Ave., the Montgomery County Office of Consumer Protection invites residents to walk in or reach out via phone or their website for assistance.
