New Office of Consumer Protection Podcast Episode Looks at Scam Prevention in 2026

For Immediate Release: Monday, February 2, 2026

The Montgomery County Office of Consumer Protection (OCP) has released the latest episode of its Consumer Connection podcast, "Outsmarting Scammers in 2026." The episode offers practical tips to help residents stay informed and empowered to avoid evolving scams.

In the episode, host and OCP investigator Michelle Escobar speaks with Susan Hogan, an Emmy award-winning consumer reporter with NBC4 Washington. The conversation explores emerging fraud trends, including AI voice cloning, fake job offers, and other tactics scammers are expected to use in 2026.

The episode also highlights actionable steps consumers can take to protect their personal and financial information, such as using family code words and recognizing common red flags online.

"Staying informed is one of the most effective ways consumers can protect themselves," said Escobar. "We want consumers to feel prepared as scam tactics continue to change."

Listeners will learn:

• How AI technology is changing scams, including voice cloning and other emerging tactics.

• Why fake job offers are on the rise and how to spot them.

• Simple steps to safeguard personal information and financial security.

• Insights into how scammers operate and ways consumers can stay one step ahead.

The episode is now available on the OCP website and on podcast platforms, including Apple, Amazon, and Spotify. Listeners are encouraged to subscribe by tapping "Follow" on their preferred podcast app.

It can also be viewed on OCP's YouTube channel and airs on County Cable Montgomery at 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays.

Previous episodes have covered topics such as navigating financial transitions, the evolution of consumer protection, hiring home improvement contractors, scam awareness, and smart shopping.

Listeners are encouraged to submit questions or suggest topics for future episodes by email.

Technical support for the podcast is provided by the County's Office of Broadband Programs in the County's Department of Technology and Enterprise Business Solutions.

The Office of Consumer Protection is located at 100 Maryland Ave., Suite 3600, in Rockville. Walk-in hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. For more information or to file a consumer complaint, call 240-777-3636 or visit the OCP website.

Stay connected with OCP on X, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

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