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CONSUMER INFORMATION
The Office of Consumer Affairs provides the following information to consumers to assist them in understanding their rights as consumers as well as how to avoid deceptive practices and scams:
Description of Howard County Consumer Laws
Alerts and Press Releases
Landlord-Tenant FAQ's
Helpful Links
ENFORCEMENT
Among other things, the Office of Consumer Affairs is empowered to:
- Initiate investigations of deceptive or unfair trade practices;
- Hold hearings and issue summons to compel testimony of witnesses and the production of evidence relating to investigations;
- Enter into written Assurances of Compliance or Discontinuance;
- Issue Cease and Desist Orders to persons it finds have engaged in deceptive or unfair trade practices;
- File written Statements of Charges against persons suspected of deceptive or unfair trade practices
- Seek remedies and penalties for violations of County Consumer Protection laws, including:
- Temporary or permanent injunctions;
- Restitution and/or compensatory damages for consumers harmed by
- violations;
- Civil penalties of up to $500 per violation; and
- The Office’s costs for investigations and hearings.
LICENSING
The Office of Consumer Affairs licenses two types of businesses:
- Solicitor and Peddlers who sell goods or services door-to-door or from the side of the road. Solicitors and Peddlers may not do business in Howard County unless they are registered with the Office of Consumer Affairs;
- “Tresspass Tow” companies that tow vehicles from private property without the permission of the owner of the vehicle. Such companies must register with the Office of Consumer Affairs and abide by certain rules that protect vehicle owners.
Office of Consumer Affairs
6751 Columbia Gateway Dr.
Box 220
Columbia, MD 21046
410-313-6420
consumer@howardcountymd.gov
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