Consumer Connection
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
Podcasting since 2024 • 12 episodes
Consumer Connection
Latest Episodes
Outsmarting Scammers in 2026
Scams 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 ...
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Season 1
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Episode 11
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33:19
Behind the Scam: Insights from OCP Investigators
Scams 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...
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Season 1
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Episode 10
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35:52
Connecting Consumers with Council President Kate Stewart
In 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, ...
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Season 1
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Episode 9
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35:43
Exposing Gold Bar Scams
In 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 investig...
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Season 1
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Episode 8
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40:00
Inside Cryptocurrency Scams with the FBI
Scammers 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 t...
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Season 1
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Episode 7
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36:49