Consumer Tips

• Comparison shop for price, condition, warranty, and mileage.
• Don’t buy a used car without having your own mechanic inspect the vehicle.
• Make sure all dealer promises are in writing.
• Keep copies of all contracts and receipts in a safe location.

• Get a written estimate that itemizes all parts and labor you are paying for.
• Seek a second opinion for any major repair work.
• Make sure you get a copy of the warranty.

• Be cautious about door to door solicitors and advertisements on classified sites like Craigslist.
• Verify the contractor is licensed to perform the work you are hiring them for by calling the Florida Dept. of Business & Professional Regulation at (850) 487-1395.
• Hire a contractor with a real office, not just a post office box address or residential home address.
• Verify that your contractor complies with state workers’ compensation requirements by calling the Florida Division of Workers’ Compensation at (800) 742-2214.

• Don’t give out your credit card number or pay any money to claim a prize.

• Beware of investment opportunities where your profit is "guaranteed".
• Avoid investing in businesses you know nothing about.
• Review an investment opportunity with your accountant or financial advisor.

• Ask the caller to send you the information via regular mail.
• Never give a telemarketer your credit card number unless you trust them.

• Keep an eye on your card during the entire transaction.
• Draw a line through any blank spaces on restaurant checks if you are not going to write in a dollar amount.
• Don't give out your card number over the phone unless you know the company.
• Immediately call your credit card company if you see any suspicious charges on your statement.
• Many texts and emails about your credit card are phishing scams. If you are unsure about a text or email you receive, call the phone number on the back of your card.

• Many sweepstakes and drawings are an attempt to collect your information that will be used for future marketing purposes.
• Cut down on the number of telephone solicitations by adding your number to the Federal Trade Commission’s National Do Not Call Registry at https://www.donotcall.gov.
• Your cell service provider may also offer protection against spam calls.

• You may request a free copy of credit report each year from one of the three credit reporting agencies: Experian, TransUnion, or Equifax. Review the information on your report and question items you do not recognize.

• Work from home schemes are almost always scams.
• Avoid “pay today” pressure tactics. Take the time to research and compare prices.
• Ask about the refund policy before you buy.
• Always read contracts completely before signing. If you don’t understand the term, don’t rely on the business to explain it to you. You may want to have an attorney review the contract.

Neighborhood Services Division
Consumer Protection Office
2450 33rd Street, 2nd Floor
Orlando, FL 32839

Email: fraudhelp@ocfl.net
Phone: (407) 836-3111
Fax: (407) 836-4233

All e-mail sent to this address becomes part of Orange County public record. Comments received by our e-mail subsystem can be read by anyone who requests that privilege. In compliance with "Government in the Sunshine" laws, Orange County Government must make available, at request, any and all information not deemed a threat to the security of law enforcement agencies and personnel. All e-mail sent to this address becomes part of Orange County public record. Comments received by our e-mail subsystem can be read by anyone who requests that privilege. In compliance with "Government in the Sunshine" laws, Orange County Government must make available, at request, any and all information not deemed a threat to the security of law enforcement agencies and personnel.