With the county's recent observation of National Consumer Protection Week, it is helpful to recount the consumer protection services available to Nassau County residents.

Since an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, the Nassau County Office of Consumer Affairs places a high priority on consumer education. The purpose of the Office of Consumer Affairs is to keep Nassau residents abreast of their rights and responsibilities as consumers.

Since its establishment in 1967, one of the priorities of the office has been to protect consumers from unscrupulous businesses by enforcing local laws that regulate unfair, deceptive and unconscionable business practices and to ensure that all contractors are licensed. Licensed contractors must carry liability insurance, are required to complete the job for which they are hired, and must respond to consumer complaints. With many residents engaging in home improvements, the office's role in regulating contractors has become a paramount responsibility.

The Office of Consumer Affairs assists Nassau County residents by providing consumers information, making referrals to the proper agencies and handling various complaints involving home improvement, auto purchase and repair, home appliances, home furnishings, and home maintenance. On the average, the office receives 4000 complaints per year, with the most frequent complaint pertaining to home improvements. A computerized classification system enables the office to analyze patterns of complaints and take remedial action when necessary.

One way the Office of Consumer Affairs protects consumers who have been defrauded by unlicensed contractors is through the Home Improvement Restitution Fund. The fund, established during my administration, compensates Nassau County homeowners who have obtained a legal judgment in court or a final award in arbitration and have been unable to collect. Every applicant for a home improvement license must pay a one-time fee of $50 into the fund. Any contractor whose actions have resulted in the payment of a claim loses his license and will not be issued a new license until the full amount of the claim is repaid. The office also helps consumers by intervening when necessary to ensure that renovations are completed, repairs are done correctly, or contracts are upheld.

The Weights and Measures Division, mandated by New York State law to enforce the accuracy of all scales, gasoline pumps, fuel oil meters and other weighing devices used commercially, responds to complaints involving weights, measures, scanning devices, item pricing and fuel quality.

The office also includes a Record Access Division that provides consumers with the information needed to help them avoid becoming the victims of scams and from dealing with merchants and contractors who have a record of problems. Experience has shown that consumers who exercise their rights and check out companies before doing business are better able to avoid trouble. Also, businesses are more likely to resolve complaints knowing that consumers now have access to information. The informed consumer is the best customer.

If you are experiencing a consumer affairs problem and need assistance, contact Nassau County's Commissioner of Consumer Affairs, Roger Bogsted, at (516) 571-6026. Bogsted and his staff are trained to provide you with information, answer questions and investigate your complaints.