Attorney General’s Office awards $2 million in funding for consumer mediation programs

BOSTON — Attorney General Maura Healey has awarded $2 million in grant funding for consumer mediation programs to help support, protect, and advocate for consumers across the state on a variety of issues.

The AG’s Office uses settlement funds to finance a statewide network of Local Consumer Programs (LCP) and Face-to-Face Mediation Programs (FTFMP) through local nonprofits and municipalities. These programs enhance the AG’s consumer protection mission by delivering consumer advocacy and mediation services in partnership with the AG’s Consumer Advocacy and Response Division. Because of their local knowledge and community involvement, LCP and FTF programs effectively serve consumers by resolving consumer disputes and raising consumer awareness through educational events. These programs can help consumers with a variety of issues including defective products, auto matters, debt collection, landlord-tenant disputes, mortgages, home improvement contract issues, and utilities.

“My office wants to ensure that consumers across our state have access to mediation and advocacy services,” Healey said. “We are proud to partner with community-based nonprofits and municipalities through our grant program and are grateful for their dedication to consumers. Through mediation, advocacy, and educational programs, they are helping people in their communities every day.”

The LCPs provide information to consumers concerning state and federal consumer protection laws. These organizations also offer voluntary consumer advocacy and assistance services. Each year, LCPs handle thousands of consumer complaints in their own regions.

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