The central mission of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) is to make markets for consumer financial products and services work for Americans whether they are applying for a mortgage, choosing among credit cards, or using any number of other consumer financial products. We can help you get connected to a HUD-approved housing counselor. At no cost to you, the counselor can help you work with your mortgage company to try to avoid foreclosure. A housing counselor can help you organize your finances, understand your mortgage options, and find a solution that works for you. Have this ready when you work with your mortgage company or housing counselor to discuss a possible work-out solution. Mortgage loan number (account number) Any additional paperwork from your mortgage company Recent pay stubs Recent tax return Household expenses (bills including food, utilities, car payments, insurance, cable, phone, credit cards, car loans, and student loans) Then call the toll-free help line at (855) 411-2372 (English/Spanish) for assistance with your mortgage.

Consumer Affairs assists consumers through advice inquiries, mediation, arbitration, and outreach. Consumer Affairs mediates complaints to ensure businesses are operating in compliance with the Virginia Consumer Protection Act.

Provides pre-purchase reports based on customer relations experiences and complaints as reported to the BBB. Also provides marketplace education and dispute resolution services to the community, which are funded by members of the Better Business Bureau.

Clients should schedule a Fair Housing/Predatory Lending appointment if they believe they have been victims of mortgage fraud, a loan scam, or discrimination in any aspect of the housing market. HCS counselors help clients understand their rights under fair housing law and help file complaints with the appropriate enforcement agencies.

A non-profit organization supported largely by membership dues paid by business and professional groups in the service area. Provides reports on business firms that will be helpful to the consumer before making a purchase, Also provides information regarding charity groups and organizations. Helps to resolve consumers' disputes with businesses through telephone conciliation, mediation and arbitration. Promotes ethical business standards and voluntary self-regulation of business practices. Complaints may be submitted on the website 24/7: www.bbb.org/consumer-complaints/file-a-complaint/get-started.

Provides information to facilitate intelligent buying decisions. Also provides consumer education; outreach; and charity review through the National BBB Philanthropic Advisory Service that offers tips for wise giving and information on charities soliciting donations.

Provides information and advice on cable TV services available in Fairfax County. Responds to complaints regarding cable television and telecommunications construction, restoration and technical problems. Oversees the County's non-exclusive cable television franchise agreements with Cox Communications, Comcast, and Verizon, through enforcement of franchise agreements, inspection of facilities, and attention to resident concerns.

The Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act funds this program to provide legal and advocacy services to assist children and adults with severe, lifelong disabilities who require special care, housing, treatment, and services and who have been abused, neglected, or discriminated against, due to their disability. Problems related to education, residential care, training centers, community rehabilitation programs, infant programs, and activity centers are handled under this program. The most common DD issues include: special education services; abuse and/or neglect of persons in special programs; the right to live, learn, and work in the most integrated setting; assistive technology and assistive technology services to support independence; freedom to make independent decisions whenever possible; and access to programs and services.

Serve as the central clearinghouse for the receipt, evaluation, investigation, and referral of consumer complaints. Complaints are either assigned within the section or referred to the appropriate local, state or federal agency having specific jurisdiction. The section also offers alternative dispute resolution services. When there is a pattern of deception or other wrongdoing, the attorney general is authorized to take action to stop the illegal conduct, and, where appropriate, seek refunds for affected consumers.

Works with nonprofit and legal services organizations, private attorneys, policymakers, and federal and state government and courts across the nation to stop exploitative practices, help financially stressed families build and retain wealth, and advance economic fairness.

Administers assigned consumer protection laws and regulations to maintain integrity between the buyer and seller. Administers regulatory programs to ensure that safe, wholesome, unadulterated and truthfully labeled products are offered for sale to consumers. Administers assigned environmental protection laws and regulations to protect the environment from pesticide misuses, plant insects and plant diseases, as well as protect endangered plant and insect species. Prevents unfair competition between the regulated industries. - Human Resources 804 786-3531 - Division of Consumer Protection 804 692-0601 - Division of Animal and Food Industry Services Consumer Protection hotline number and to file compliants about bad gasoline from local service stations call 800 552-9963 - State Milk Commission 804 786 2013 - Pesticides Services 804.786.3798 - Weights and Measures, Motor Fuel Regulations abd Motor fuel quality 804 786-2476 or visit www.vdacs.virginia.gov - Motor Fuel quality 804 786-2476- Mail complaints for motor fuel sales price gouging to Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Attn: Office of Weights and Measurements, PO Box 1163, Richmond, VA - Office of Consumer Affairs - Unwanted telephone solicitations 800 552-9963 - Department of Charitable Gaming - ph. 804 756-1343 fax 804 225-2666, Compliants 804 371-0498, Licensing - ph 804.786.1308 fax 804.225.2666, Customer Service 804 371-0512

Reporting Fraud, Waste, and Abuse in state government executive branche agencies

Help consumers avoid telemarketing fraud and transmits consumer's reports about telemarketing fraud to appropriate law enforcement agencies.