National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) is a reminder that being an informed consumer is your best defense.

In this special episode, Michelle takes the guest chair to share simple, practical habits that help protect your wallet and your confidence. From pausing before you purchase, reading reviews, and verifying sellers, to understanding common scam tactics and why timing matters, this conversation is all about staying one step ahead.

We also talk about choosing empowerment over embarrassment. Reporting scams and filing complaints doesn't just help you, it can help protect the entire community. Complaints can reveal patterns and trends, allowing OCP to identify potential issues across the county and take action when needed.

You'll also learn how OCP helps resolve disputes, enforces consumer laws, and connects with residents through community forums, outreach events, and educational presentations.

NCPW shines a spotlight on these issues, but consumer awareness is a year-round effort. Stay connected for timely alerts, practical tools, and ways to help keep our community informed and protected.

Have a question or suggestion for a future episode? Send an email to consumerconnection@montgomerycountymd.gov.

Online dating and social media have opened new ways to build meaningful connections. But they can also create opportunities for scams.

In this episode of Consumer Connection, host Michelle Escobar sits down with Karen Morgan, Executive Council Member at AARP Maryland, to talk about the rise of online romance scams and how to protect yourself without losing trust in the possibility of a real connection.

Together, they explore:

• The most common red flags in online relationships.
• How scammers use emotional manipulation to gain trust.
• Why anyone, at any age, can be targeted.
• Practical steps to protect both your heart and your finances.

Karen also shares guidance for friends and family members who may be concerned about a loved one. Learn how to start supportive, judgment-free conversations that empower rather than shame.

This episode is about building awareness and confidence so you can stay connected, stay protected, and recognize the difference between genuine relationships and costly deception.

Have a question or suggestion for a future episode? Send an email to consumerconnection@montgomerycountymd.gov.

Scams are getting smarter in 2026, but so are we. In this episode of Consumer Connection, host Michelle Escobar is joined by Emmy-winning NBC4 consumer reporter Susan Hogan. Together, they discuss the latest fraud trends, from AI voice cloning to fake job offers that look legitimate, and share actionable tips to protect your information and your wallet. Learn how simple strategies like freezing your credit, using family code words, and spotting red flags online can help you stay safe without feeling overwhelmed. Staying informed is your best defense, and this episode gives you the tools to feel confident and prepared in today’s digital world.

Have a question or suggestion for a future episode? Send an email to consumerconnection@montgomerycountymd.gov.

Scams may evolve, but the tactics of urgency, building trust, and emotional manipulation remain the same. In this episode of Consumer Connection, host and OCP Investigator Michelle Escobar is joined by fellow Investigator Lorena Bailey to reflect on how consumer protection and fraud have evolved over the years, the real cases that still stick with them, and why education is the most powerful tool for prevention. Tune in to hear firsthand stories from the front lines, the red flags investigators see most often, and practical advice to help you spot a scam before money is lost.

Have a question or suggestion for a future episode? Send an email to consumerconnection@montgomerycountymd.gov.

In this episode of Consumer Connection, we sit down with Council President Kate Stewart to learn about her journey from resident to County Council President. Together, we explore how consumer protection is shaping a stronger Montgomery County, from advancing tenant rights to enhancing support for vulnerable adults. We also highlight how early organizing, meeting people where they are, uplifting mental health, and local history are building a more connected, resilient community.

To connect with Council President Stewart's office, visit https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/stewart/ or email councilmember.stewart@
montgomerycountymd.gov.

Have a question or suggestion for a future episode? Send an email to consumerconnection@montgomerycountymd.gov.

In this episode of Consumer Connection, we delve into the world of gold bar scams with a special guest, Detective Sean Petty from the Montgomery County Department of Police's Financial Crimes Section. Hosted by Michelle Escobar, an OCP investigator, this episode uncovers the intricacies of these deceptive crimes.

Tune in to learn:

• What gold bar scams are
• How these scams start and what it looks like when you’re being approached
• What victims are told and how they’re contacted
• How scammers pose as imposters and persuade their victims
• Tips to help avoid such scams

We also discuss a recent gold bar case that highlights scammers' tactics. Don't miss this insightful episode, which aims to protect you and your loved ones from falling victim to these fraudulent schemes.

For additional information, visit MCDP’s website at https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/POL/index.html or visit OCP’s website at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/ocp. Have a question or suggestion for a future episode? Send an email to consumerconnection@montgomerycountymd.gov.

Have a question or suggestion for a future episode? Send an email to consumerconnection@montgomerycountymd.gov.

Scammers are cashing in on the cryptocurrency craze and targeting everyday people in the process. In this episode, we’re joined by FBI Special Agent David Paniwozik for an insider look at how fraudsters are using cryptocurrency to steal money through fake investments, impersonation scams, and high-pressure tactics. Learn what to watch for, how these schemes work, and how to protect yourself in the ever-evolving world of digital scams.

For additional information and resources, visit OCP’s website at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/ocp. Visit the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov. Have a question or suggestion for a future episode? Send an email to consumerconnection@montgomerycountymd.gov.

Have a question or suggestion for a future episode? Send an email to consumerconnection@montgomerycountymd.gov.

This episode of the Montgomery County Office of Consumer Protection’s podcast, Consumer Connection, explores how consumers can navigate financial transitions such as job loss, relocation, or retirement through smart budgeting, saving, and planning. Host and OCP Investigator Michelle Escobar is joined by Ira Rheingold, Executive Director of the National Association of Consumer Advocates (NACA), to discuss strategies for managing debt, cutting unnecessary expenses, building financial literacy, and creating a financial roadmap. The episode also highlights common scams that target people during vulnerable times, including fake job offers, moving scams, and retirement fraud, with tips on how to stay protected.

For additional information and resources, visit OCP’s website at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/ocp.

Have a question or suggestion for a future episode? Send an email to consumerconnection@montgomerycountymd.gov.

Have a question or suggestion for a future episode? Send an email to consumerconnection@montgomerycountymd.gov.