As New Yorkers, we definitely speak our minds, especially if we feel someone is trying to rip us off or take advantage of us. To kick off Consumer Protection Week, New York Attorney General Letitia James released a list of the top 10 service and business categories subject to complaints. Lawyer James said the list should encourage residents to watch out for those doing bad business,
“Let this list serve as a warning to all New Yorkers to be on their guard against scam artists. From inaccurate turnaround times for COVID-19 test results to misleading debt collectors, scam artists have taken advantage of these trying times to mislead and deceive New Yorkers. My office is committed to rooting out fraudsters and protecting all New Yorkers, young and old, from harm. Consumers have been invaluable in helping my office identify and root out fraud, and I urge them to remain vigilant and follow this advice. »
These 10 categories received the most consumer complaints in New York State in 2021
10. Furniture/Appliances – 611 Complaints
Complaints related to faulty items, delivery issues, and service and repair issues.
Photo by PlanetCare on Unsplash
9. Health clubs – 778 complaints
Complaints included difficulties in canceling memberships, inability to access facilities, lack of communication from clubs and issues with refunds.
Photo by bruce mars on Unsplash
8. Home repair/improvement – 1,034 complaints
The complaints were about unsatisfactory repairs and dishonest contractors.
Photo by Annie Gray on Unsplash
7. Public services – 1,145 complaints
Complaints related to phone, energy, cable and satellite issues.
Photo by Fré Sonneveld on Unsplash
6. Credit – 1,539 complaints
Complaints included issues with debt collection, reporting agencies, billing, debt settlement, payday loans, credit repair and identity theft.
5. Automotive – 2,283 complaints
Complaints related to sales, service, financing and repair issues.
Photo by Obi – @pixel6propix on Unsplash
4. Services – 2,610 complaints
The complaints related to issues with companies such as COVID-19 testing facilities, alarm companies, movers, dry cleaners, restaurants and other consumer service providers.
Photo by Jakayla Toney on Unsplash
3. Retail sales – 2,678 complaints
Complaints included price gouging, faulty merchandise, and poor customer service.
Photo by Arturo Rey on Unsplash
2. Landlord/Tenant – 3,144 complaints
The complaints were about security deposit issues and tenant harassment.
Photo by Steven Ungermann on Unsplash
1. Internet – 8,346 complaints
The complaints related to issues with service providers, personal data privacy, security and data breaches, as well as scams and fraud.
Photo by Benjamin Dada on Unsplash
If you need to file a consumer complaint, you can do so with the Consumer Frauds and Protection Bureau in line or by calling (800) 771-7755.
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