2003 Press Releases - Consumer Services

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December 31, 2003 - Bronson says consumers are continuing their vigilance against violators of the state's Do Not Call list as telemarketing once again tops the list of complaints against industries regulated by the Department. Learn more...

December 15, 2003 - If you're considering giving a health club membership as a holiday gift or joining a gym yourself as part of a New Year's resolution to get in shape, do your homework before making any financial commitment. Learn more...

December 10, 2003 - Bronson today urged consumers to use caution in making sure that they are not overcharged for purchases during the holiday season. Learn more...

December 5, 2003 - Bronson is encouraging consumers to shop wisely, know your rights and keep track of your purchases. Learn more...

November 24, 2003 - As the holiday season approaches, Floridians can expect an increase in the level of fund raising by charitable organizations Learn more...

November 13, 2003 - Bronson today called on state residents to donate food and money to community-based charities which have been hard hit by the economy and cutbacks in government support. Learn more...

October 14, 2003 - Bronson announced today that he has taken legal action against a Hialeah moving company for violating the Movers Regulation Act in cases involving two consumers. Learn more...

October 8, 2003 - Bronson announced today that his office has executed search warrants in a case involving an organization posing as a Florida charity and selling donated clothes provided by Floridians to enrich the organization's for-profit business. Learn more...

September 24, 2003 - Bronson today announced that his office has begun a statewide effort to register auto repair shops, moving companies, health studios and other business entities regulated by his department that have failed to register. Learn more...

September 22, 2003 - Bronson warned consumers today to avoid dealing with a company that is calling Floridians and asking them for personal information, including their checking account number, as a condition of joining the federal government's "Do Not Call" program. Learn more...

September 10, 2003 - Bronson today announced the arrest of an unlicensed Tampa area auto repair shop owner for falsely claiming that he replaced a customer's van engine and charging more than $3,100 for the job. Learn more...

September 2, 2003 - Bronson today announced that he has taken legal action against a Sarasota investment company for making telemarketing calls to Florida consumers on the state's "Do Not Call" list. Learn more...

August 22, 2003 - Bronson today warned consumers to avoid being duped into paying a $2.95 pre-registration fee when signing up for the federal "Do Not Call" program. Learn more...

August 14, 2003 - In an effort to thwart both Florida and the federal government's "Do Not Call" registries, some commercial telemarketers are offering free samples, coupons or a sweepstakes entry - offers, which if accepted, permit the telemarketers to call citizens on the "Do Not Call" lists. Learn more...

July 28, 2003 - Bronson announced today that he has authorized Palm Beach County to investigate, prosecute and collect fines against intrastate moving companies that defraud or mistreat consumers. Learn more...

July 1, 2003 - Bronson is alerting consumers to a new law designed to help prevent identity theft and other crimes that goes into effect July 1st. Learn more...

June 20, 2003 - Bronson is warning consumers about a new Internet scam involving Best Buy. The electronics goods company is also investigating the scam. Learn more...

May 23, 2003 - Bronson today announced the arrest of a former executive director of a St. Petersburg charity for misappropriating some $47,790 in funds that were contributed to the organization. Learn more...

May 20, 2003 - Bronson is announcing the Department's involvement in a joint effort with the federal government to thwart charity fraud. Learn more...

May 6, 2003 - Bronson announced today that he has taken legal action against seven companies for mislabeling diet products by understating the amount of sugar or carbohydrates in their products. Learn more...

April 29, 2003 - A team of Florida students from Seminole County today became the national champions in the National Lifesmarts Competition held in Orlando, Florida from Sunday, April 27th until Tuesday, April 29th. Learn more...

April 24, 2003 - Hundreds of the nation's best and brightest high school students from across the country will be competing for the National ‘Lifesmarts' title from April 26-29 in Orlando. Learn more...

April 10, 2003 - Bronson is warning consumers that a map to their private residence is now just a click away on the Internet. Learn more...

April 9, 2003 - Consumer Health Care Spending Protection Provisions, would allow consumers to make informed health care decisions to keep their medical expenses under control. Learn more...

March 25, 2003 - Bronson urged consumers today to be wary of any war-related scams. Learn more...

February 26, 2003 - Florida residents filed a record number of consumer complaints with the state last year, with unwanted sales calls, banking/credit institutions and problems with travel companies leading the way. Learn more...

February 13, 2003 - High school students from around the state will compete for the state championship of "LifeSmarts ... the Ultimate Consumer Challenge," on February 17 at the Florida State Fair in Tampa. Learn more...

January 31, 2003 - Bronson is reminding consumers that protecting and managing their personal information can help minimize their chances of being victims of identity theft and other scams. Learn more...

January 27, 2003 - Bronson today announced the arrest of a Broward County man accused of duping at least three Florida consumers of $28,000 in an alleged travel and investment scam. Learn more...

View all of the Department's 2003 Press Releases

Charles H. Bronson, Commissioner - LuAnn Stiles, Director

2003 Press Releases - Consumer Services