Department of Consumer Protection State of CT: Safeguarding Consumers in 2023

Introduction

The Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) State of CT plays a crucial role in safeguarding the rights and interests of consumers in Connecticut. Established in 1959, the DCP has a long-standing history of protecting consumers from unfair, deceptive, and abusive practices. In 2023, the DCP remains as committed as ever to ensuring a fair and transparent marketplace for all consumers.

Key Initiatives and Accomplishments

Over the past year, the DCP has made significant strides in advancing consumer protection in Connecticut. Some key initiatives and accomplishments include:

• Recovering over $10 million for consumers through enforcement actions
• Resolving over 20,000 consumer complaints
• Educating consumers on a wide range of topics, including financial literacy, identity theft prevention, and home improvement scams

Focus Areas for 2023

In 2023, the DCP will continue to focus on the following key areas:

• Protecting consumers from fraud and scams: The DCP will prioritize combating fraud and scams that target consumers, including online scams, identity theft, and robocalls.
• Empowering consumers through education: The DCP will continue to provide consumers with the information and tools they need to make informed decisions and protect themselves from harm.
• Enforcing consumer protection laws: The DCP will vigorously enforce state and federal consumer protection laws to hold businesses accountable for unfair, deceptive, and abusive practices.

Recent Success Stories

The DCP has recently achieved several notable successes in protecting consumers:

• Recovering over $2 million for victims of a travel scam: The DCP worked with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to recover over $2 million for Connecticut consumers who were victims of a travel scam.
• Shutting down a fraudulent debt collection operation: The DCP shut down a fraudulent debt collection operation that was harassing consumers with illegal threats and tactics.
• Obtaining a settlement from a major retailer for deceptive pricing practices: The DCP reached a settlement with a major retailer for deceptive pricing practices that misled consumers about the true cost of goods.

How to Contact the DCP

Consumers who have questions or need assistance can contact the DCP in the following ways:

• Phone: 1-800-842-2649
• Email: [email protected]
• Online: https://portal.ct.gov/DCP

Conclusion

The Department of Consumer Protection State of CT is committed to protecting the rights and interests of consumers in Connecticut. Through its various initiatives and enforcement actions, the DCP works diligently to ensure a fair and transparent marketplace for all consumers.