Podcast
Consumer Connection
Hosted by Michelle Escobar · EN
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
13episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Avoiding Home Improvement Pitfalls: Tips from an OCP Investigator
1w ago00:36:05Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Consumer Connection, host Michelle Escobar sits down with OCP Investigator and licensed home inspector Matthew Kaufman to discuss how homeowners can avoid common home improvement pitfalls and make informed decisions before starting a project. From choosing a trustworthy contractor to understanding major upgrades like HVAC systems, insulation, and solar installations, Matthew shares practical tips to help consumers protect their homes, finances, and peace of mind throughout the home improvement process. Remember to message us the word "contractor" on social media or by email, and we'll send you our Hiring a Home Contractor cheat sheet to help you get started. Have a question or suggestion for a future episode? Send an email to consumerconnection@montgomerycountymd.gov.
Transcribe →Sustainable Living for the Savvy Consumer
Apr 2700:34:42Tap to summarizeIn 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.
Transcribe →National Consumer Protection Week: Informed Consumers, Stronger Community
Mar 300:30:02Tap to summarizeNational 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.
Transcribe →Love, Lies & Red Flags: Avoiding Online Romance Scams
Feb 1400:40:19Tap to summarizeOnline 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.
Transcribe →Outsmarting Scammers in 2026
Jan 2800:33:19Tap to summarizeScams 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.
Transcribe →Behind the Scam: Insights from OCP Investigators
Dec 2200:35:52Tap to summarizeScams 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.
Transcribe →Connecting Consumers with Council President Kate Stewart
Oct 1400:35:43Tap to summarizeIn 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.
Transcribe →Exposing Gold Bar Scams
Aug 1400:40:00Tap to summarizeIn 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 areHow these scams start and what it looks like when you’re being approachedWhat victims are told and how they’re contactedHow scammers pose as imposters and persuade their victimsTips to help avoid such scamsWe 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.
Transcribe →Inside Cryptocurrency Scams with the FBI
Jun 1700:36:49Tap to summarizeScammers 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.
Transcribe →Out of Work, Not Out of Options: Your Financial Game Plan
Apr 10, 202500:43:28Tap to summarizeThis 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.
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