The next Coalition meeting will on Wednesday, April 11, 2018 from 12:30 – 2:00 PM. We will be in a conference room TBD on the mezzanine level of 100 Cambridge Street. See you then.
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March 14, 2018 Meeting Postponed
The next meeting of the Massachusetts Consumers’ Coalition which wass scheduled for Wednesday, March 14, 2018, at 1 pm at 100 Cambridge Street (Saltonstall Building) has been postponed due to the pending snowstorm.
May Meeting: New Time/Location
Our next MCC meeting is scheduled for:
Wednesday, May 17, 2017
** 1:00 p.m. ** NOTE TIME CHANGE
10th Floor Conference Room, 100 Cambridge Street
The May meeting will focus on the climate and landscape of Home Improvement Contracting through the eyes of the Home Improvement Program. Guest Speakers will include: Antron Watson of AARP’s Home Fit Program; Bob Ernst, Former President of Greater Boston Remodeler and Builder’s Association, President of FBN Construction, and Educator of Consumer and Contractor Best Practices and Transparency in Home Improvement Contracting; Jaqui Chandler, Guaranty Fund Program Coordinator; and Shannon Desmond, Director of Consumer Education at Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation.
A boxed lunch will be served. If you would like a lunch, you must RSVP by noon on Monday, May 15th to Jeanne Foy at (781)335 0280 or foy_cac@juno.com
March 15 Meeting CANCELLED
Due to the snow storm expected on Tuesday, the AG has cancelled the meeting for the LCPs scheduled for March 15. As a result, our meeting is cancelled as well.
At the moment, the AG has rescheduled the LCP meeting for Wednesday, March 29. Our meeting will likely follow it… but stay tuned for specifics.
MCC Meeting March 15
Attorney Peter Downing (Consumer Protection Division) and Attorney Tim Depin (Community Engagement Division) of the Attorney General’s Office will present information about the AGO’s Debt Collection clinics. The meeting will take place in the 12th floor Conference Room at 12:30 p.m. There will be a selection of individually boxed lunches. If you would like a lunch, you must RSVP by 4pm on Monday, March 13th to Jeanne Foy at (781)335‑0280 or foy_cac@juno.com
Minutes for January 11, 2017
Massachusetts Consumers’ Coalition
Meeting Minutes for January 11, 2017
16 people attended the January meeting of the Massachusetts Consumers’ Coalition. Chair Cindy Matloff called the meeting to order at 12:36 with an introduction of members.
GUEST SPEAKER – STEVE WEISMAN
Steve Weisman, a leading expert on scams and identity theft spoke about current scams and how to recognize/avoid them. His presentation focused on medical identity theft, skimmers, spearfishing, ransomware, and the use of strong passwords. Members are encouraged to visit: scamicide.com, Mr. Weisman’s website dedicated to providing the public with the latest information on scams.
SECRETARY’S REPORT
- November meeting minutes were approved
- Members were reminded to complete and return their 2017 membership form.
- A lunch survey was distributed to ascertain lunch option preferences.
TREASURER’S REPORT
The Coalition checking account balance is $2,507.83
OLD BUSINESS
Website: The Coalition web site is up and running. Members should check the website for meeting dates and announcements.
NEW BUSINESS
Upcoming MCC Programs: The Guest Speaker program was discussed and scheduled. It was confirmed that Peter Downing, AAG will speak about the Attorney General’s Debt Collection clinic program at the March meeting. Charles Carroll, Director of the Division of Standards will speak about the enforcement of laws, rules and regulations relating to weights and measures in May, and MASSPIRG will be asked to speak in the fall.
Consumer Agency Updates:
Cambridge Consumers’ Council. Laura Nichols announced that Cambridge Consumers’ Council will be hosting a shred day on March 11th for National Consumer Protection Week.
Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation. Shannon Desmond announced that Office of Consumer Affairs has updated 11 of their consumer guides: ID Theft; Shopping Rights; Managing Credit and Debt; 30-Day Demand Letter; Home Improvement Contracting; Small Claims Court; Tenants Rights and Responsibilities; Landlord Rights and Responsibilities; Lemon Law; Lemon Aid Law; and Used Vehicle Warranty Law. Please contact Shannon or Robin if you need to replenish your supply.
Consumer World. Edgar Dworsky alerted members to a new consumer survey on Auto Play Ads that Consumer World planned to release on January 17th. The general consensus – consumers hate the ads. To see the survey results go to: http://www.consumerworld.org/pages/autoplay-ads.htm
Meeting adjourned at 1:45 pm
Next Meeting is Wednesday, March 15, 2017
Thanks to our speaker, Steve Weisman
We all heard a very informative talk about ID theft and scams today from our special speaker, Steve Weisman.
For those who would like to get in touch with him, here is his email:
stevenjjweisman@aol.com
We all sincerely thank Steve for coming all the way from Amherst to talk to us during his vacation week.
