OVERVIEW: Offers consumer protection against unfair trade practices, health plan refusal, and advocates for fair consumer protection laws.

1. CONSUMER PROTECTION: Provides consumers with assistance in resolving complaints concerning unfair and deceptive trade practices. Responsible for complaint mediation; arbitration enforcement of civil remedies through court litigation (does not represent individual consumers in court). Provides information concerning a business complaint record.

2. HEALTH UNIT: Assist consumers whose health plan has refused to cover a medical procedure or pay for a medical service that has already been provided. Assists consumers in resolving billing disputes with hospitals, doctors, insurance companies and other health care providers; negotiates refunds or repairs for medical equipment and other health care products that are defective or were never delivered.

3. PUBLICATION/LITERATURE: Offers a variety of publications to consumers including:
o Consumer guides on buying used cars, purchasing health care, landlord and tenant rights and obligations, selecting a nursing home and other subjects.
o In-depth articles in a newsletter-style format on such topics as prescription drugs, home improvements, and complaining effectively.
o Consumers Edge, a series of short articles about common consumer problems and scams.
o Fact Sheets, a brief explanation of one's rights under Maryland law.

4. LEGISLATION: Recommends legislation to protect the public from fraudulent schemes and promotions.

5. BUSINESS INQUIRIES: Response to inquiries from businesses regarding the requirements of Maryland law.

6. IDENTITY THEFT For information on identity theft and privacy issues contact our Identity Theft Unit at 410-576-6574. For a universal fraud affidavit, an in-depth guide for recovering from identity theft and to file a complaint, contact the Identity Theft Line at 410-576-6574 or www.marylandattorneygeneral.gov.

7. CREDIT CARD/REPORTS/RESOURCES In addition to the reporting venues below report the fraudulent activity to the local police department and place a credit freeze on the account.

Send freeze requests via certified mail to:
o Equifax Security Freeze, P.O. Box 105788, Atlanta, GA 30348
o Experian Security Freeze, P.O. Box 9554, Allen, TX 75013
o Trans Union, Fraud Victim Assistance Department, P.O. Box 6790, Fullerton, CA 92834
For Copy of Credit Report:
o Equifax: (888) 766-0008. Order a copy of the report: (800) 685-1111. Website: www.equifax.com.
o Experian: (888) 397-3742. Order a copy of the report: (888) 397-3742. Website: www.experian.com
o Trans Union: (800) 680-7289. Order a copy of the report: (877) 322-8228. Website: www.transunion.com