Monmouth County Department Recoups $2M for Consumers

The Division of Consumer Affairs for Monmouth County recouped more than $2 million on behalf of consumers in 2014.

The department recouped $2,081,845, despite the number of cases handled by the division dropping by 8 percent in 2014, from 615 in 2013 to 564 in 2014, according to a press release from Consumer Affairs. Despite this decrease, the department nearly matched the $2,473,546 it recouped in 2013.

Annmarie Howley, Consumer Affairs Director, attributed the decrease in cases handled to consumers being more aware about the money they’re spending on goods and services. “People are being more conscious of where their money goes and making sure they get the item or service that they paid for and expected,” she said in the press release.

According to the Division of Consumer Affairs, the money recouped breaks down as follows: “$246,136 was in cash refunds; $1,656,098 represents the value of services and items that the Division was able to recover for consumers who were unable to get them on their own; $178,061 was in voided contracts, and $1,550 was in exchanges, which means the seller substituted an item of equal value.”

“In tight financial times people are watching every dollar they spend and it’s comforting to know there is a place to turn to for help,” Freeholder Lillian G. Burry said in the press release from the division. “The Consumer Affairs staff works not only for Monmouth County residents, but for any resident who is having difficulty dealing with a business located in Monmouth County.”

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