The Miami-Dade County Consumer Services Department provides speakers to schools (preferably at the high school and college levels) and to neighborhood, civic and business organizations. Presentations on each of the available topics normally run 30 minutes including approximately 10 minutes for a question and answer session.

The topics that are currently available are:

New topics will be added periodically.

To request a speaker, please contact the Consumer Protection Division at (305) 375-4193.

When you contact us to request a speaker, please be prepared to provide the following information:

• a contact person to include phone number(s) and e-mail address (if available)
    
• date and time
    
• location
    
• the size and type of group (e.g. eleventh grade class, neighborhood association, Rotary Club, etc.)
   
• the topic or topics that you wish to have presented

The Miami-Dade Consumer Services Department – An Overview
The Consumer Services Department is responsible for educating, informing and protecting consumers by:

• Enforcing consumer protection laws and business regulations
   
• Licensing certain businesses
   
• Investigating and mediating consumer complaints
      
• Providing research and educational services targeted to agricultural producers and to youth and families

The overview of the Consumer Services Department describes the types of information, services and programs that are available to consumers residing in or visiting Miami-Dade County.

TOP

Cable Television – Consumer Awareness

• What is the difference between cable TV and satellite TV?
    
• Can I switch to another cable company?
    
• Can a cable company charge anything they want or are rates regulated?
      
• Who do I notify if I have a cable problem?
    
• Do I have to pay for the time that my cable was not working?

The Cable Television – Consumer Awareness presentation will answer these questions and others in order to provide basic information about cable TV and consumers’ rights.

TOP

Identity Theft

• What is identity theft?
      
• How does identity theft occur?
    
• How do I know if I am a victim of identity theft?
    
• What steps should I take if I am a victim of identity theft?
     
• Is there anything I can do to avoid being a victim of identity theft?

The identity theft presentation will provide answers to these and other questions in order to make consumers more aware of this growing problem and what can be done about it.

TOP

Motor Vehicle Repair – Consumer Awareness

• What does it mean if a motor vehicle repair shop is licensed?
    
• How do I know if a motor vehicle repair shop is licensed?
    
• Did the mechanics that work on my vehicle have to pass a test?
   
• Am I entitled to a written estimate before repairs are made on my vehicle?
    
• What happens if I am not satisfied with the repair work and refuse to pay?

The Motor Vehicle Repair – Consumer Awareness presentation will answer these questions and others in order to provide basic information about motor vehicle repair and consumers’ rights.

TOP

  Towing – Consumers Be Aware

• Who is authorized to have my vehicle towed without my consent?
    
• If my vehicle is missing, how do I know whether it has been towed or stolen? 
   
• Do I have access to items inside my vehicle after it has been impounded? 
    
• What do I need to do to get my vehicle back after it has been towed?
    
• If I believe the towing of my vehicle was improper, what can I do? 

The Towing – Consumers Be Aware presentation will answer these questions and others in order to provide basic information about towing in Miami-Dade County and consumers' rights.

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