Imposter scams and phony IRS agents managed to top the lists by complaining consumers, but what other issues made the top ten for 2015? A survey was conducted and participated in by thirty-three agencies from twenty-one states, where they were asked and subsequently reported the most common issues and problems experienced by consumers. Here are the results:
Automobile – Misrepresentations in sales or advertising of new and used cars, faulty repairs, leasing and towing disputes and lemons.
Home Improvement/Construction – Subpar work, failure to start or complete a job as planned.
Utilities – Service issues, billing problems
Credit/Debt – Billing and fee disputes, credit repair, debt relief, illegal or abusive debt collection tactics, predatory lending, mortgage modifications and mortgage-related fraud,
Retail Sales – False advertising, defective merchandise, problems with rebates, returns, coupons, gift cards and gift certificates.
Services – Misrepresentations, shoddy work, failure to have required licenses, failure to perform.
Landlord/Tenant – Unhealthy or unsafe conditions, failure to make repairs or provide promised amenities, deposit and rent disputes, illegal eviction tactics.
Household Goods- Misrepresentations, failure to deliver, faulty repairs in connection with furniture or appliances.
Health Products/Services- Misleading claims; unlicensed practitioners.
Internet Sales – Misrepresentations or other deceptive practices, failure to deliver online purchases; Fraud. Bogus sweepstakes and lotteries, work-at-home schemes, grant offers, fake check scams, imposter scams, and other common frauds.
You can read the full report here:
If you believe yourself to be the victim of a scam, contact the BBB or the Georgia Department of Law / Consumer Protection Division, or visit their websites for more information.
Sources