To commemorate today’s observance of Military Consumer Protection Day, celebrated this year on July 16, the Ohio Attorney General’s Office encourages active-duty service members to learn about the office’s
Patriot Program.
Through the program, volunteers from the Attorney General’s Office provide free legal services for military personnel and their families for particular issues.
Services include assistance with:
-
Exercising your rights under the Service Members Civil Relief Act, such as canceling leases or cell phone contracts
-
Drafting wills (including living wills)
-
Delegating power of attorney (including for health-care decisions)
-
Notary services
In another service of interest to military personnel and veterans, the Ohio Attorney General’s Office provides all Ohioans with an informal dispute resolution process to resolve complaints between consumers and businesses. When filing a consumer complaint as an active-duty service member or immediate family member, be sure to indicate that status as part of the initial complaint. Ohio law requires the Attorney General’s Office to expedite certain cases or issues raised by those deployed on active duty or their immediate family members.
The Attorney General’s Office also provides educational consumer presentations for active-duty military members and veterans. The Consumer Protection Section’s presentations address scams targeting the military, laws designed to protect military personnel, and tips for avoiding identity theft.
Consumers can receive Patriot Program assistance, file a complaint against a business, or schedule a presentation by calling 800-282-0515 or visiting
www.OhioAttorneyGeneral.gov.