The Minnesota Department of Commerce has debuted a new multilingual website. This is done as part of its mission to serve as a trusted public resource for consumers. Key consumer information on the website mn.gov/commerce has been translated into languages including Hmong, Somali and Spanish, to make it easier for Minnesotans from all walks of life to use.
The purpose of the translated site is best summed up by Commissioner Mike Rothman, who helped put the project together: “Protecting consumers is our number one priority at the Commerce Department. All Minnesotans should have access to objective, consumer-friendly information so they are empowered to make good financial decisions for themselves and their families. This information is especially important for our immigrant communities because they are often targets of fraud and predatory financial practices.”
Indeed. Examples of translated information from pages of their website include information on:
- Home and auto insurance policies
- Making insurance claims
- Finding and claiming missing money
- Avoiding financial scams and pitfalls
- Help paying for home heating costs
The Commerce Department regulates Minnesota’s insurance industry, financial institutions, securities and real estate sector. The department also has the job of overseeing the electric, natural gas, and telephone sectors, and energy conservation and efficiency. They also administer low-income energy assistance programs, regulate the accuracy of scales and pumps used for fuel and goods transactions.
They do a lot, basically. And they want to make sure they’re doing it for everyone: The ultimate goal is to protect public interest. They are here, ultimately, to advocate for us. The consumers. They ensure a strong, competitive, and fair marketplace for us to purchase goods and services, and they strengthen the state’s economic future by serving as a resource for both consumers and businesses.
They are also here to help and protect. If you have a consumer protection question or believe you have been a victim of fraud, contact the Commerce Department’s Consumer Services Center by email at consumer.protection@state.mn.us or by phone at 651-539-1600 or 800-657-3602 (Greater Minnesota).
No matter what language you speak.
(Above information from this news release)
