Omslagafbeelding van de show Consumer Connection

Consumer Connection

Podcast door Michelle Escobar

Engels

Tijdelijke aanbieding

2 maanden voor € 1

Daarna € 9,99 / maandElk moment opzegbaar.

  • 20 uur luisterboeken / maand
  • Podcasts die je alleen op Podimo hoort
  • Gratis podcasts
Begin hier

Over Consumer Connection

Consumer Connection is a podcast brought to you by the Montgomery County Office of Consumer Protection (OCP) that brings you up-to-date news and information on a variety of consumer topics. It is your trusted source for connecting with experts on avoiding scams, making informed purchasing decisions, and understanding your consumer rights.Join our host, OCP Investigator, Michelle Escobar, as she guides listeners to better understand the consumer landscape here in Montgomery County, Maryland, and beyond, while offering valuable advice and practical tips.Have questions or ideas for future episodes? Email us at consumerconnection@montgomerycountymd.gov

Alle afleveringen

15 afleveringen

aflevering Sustainable Living for the Savvy Consumer artwork

Sustainable Living for the Savvy Consumer

In honor of Earth Month, we’re joined by Larissa Johnson, Residential Energy Program Manager at Montgomery County’s Department of Environmental Protection. She shares how simple, sustainable choices—like reducing home energy use, preparing for warmer weather, cutting food waste, and spotting greenwashing—can help residents save money.  With practical tips, easy habits, and helpful County resources, this episode shows how greener living can also be more affordable. If you're looking to make smart, sustainable choices without stretching your budget, this conversation offers clear, actionable ways to get started.  Have a question or suggestion for a future episode? Send an email to consumerconnection@montgomerycountymd.gov [consumerconnection@montgomerycountymd.gov].

27 apr 2026 - 34 min
aflevering National Consumer Protection Week: Informed Consumers, Stronger Community artwork

National Consumer Protection Week: Informed Consumers, Stronger Community

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 [consumerconnection@montgomerycountymd.gov].

3 mrt 2026 - 30 min
aflevering Love, Lies & Red Flags: Avoiding Online Romance Scams artwork

Love, Lies & Red Flags: Avoiding Online Romance Scams

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 [consumerconnection@montgomerycountymd.gov].

14 feb 2026 - 40 min
aflevering Outsmarting Scammers in 2026 artwork

Outsmarting Scammers in 2026

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 [consumerconnection@montgomerycountymd.gov].

28 jan 2026 - 33 min
aflevering Behind the Scam: Insights from OCP Investigators artwork

Behind the Scam: Insights from OCP Investigators

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 [consumerconnection@montgomerycountymd.gov].

22 dec 2025 - 35 min
Super app. Onthoud waar je bent gebleven en wat je interesses zijn. Heel veel keuze!
Super app. Onthoud waar je bent gebleven en wat je interesses zijn. Heel veel keuze!
Makkelijk in gebruik!
App ziet er mooi uit, navigatie is even wennen maar overzichtelijk.

Kies je abonnement

Meest populair

Tijdelijke aanbieding

Premium

20 uur aan luisterboeken

  • Podcasts die je alleen op Podimo hoort

  • Geen advertenties in Podimo shows

  • Elk moment opzegbaar

2 maanden voor € 1
Daarna € 9,99 / maand

Begin hier

Premium Plus

Onbeperkt luisterboeken

  • Podcasts die je alleen op Podimo hoort

  • Geen advertenties in Podimo shows

  • Elk moment opzegbaar

Probeer 7 dagen gratis
Daarna € 13,99 / maand

Probeer gratis

Alleen bij Podimo

Populaire luisterboeken

Begin hier

2 maanden voor € 1. Daarna € 9,99 / maand. Elk moment opzegbaar.