NEW YORK (WWNY) -NEW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James has released a list of the top 10 consumer fraud complaints her office received in 2021.
It’s in recognition of National Consumer Protection Week.
“Let this list serve as a warning to all New Yorkers to keep their guard up against scam artists,” James said. “From inaccurate turnaround times for COVID-19 test results to deceitful debt collectors, scammers took advantage of these difficult times to mislead and deceive New Yorkers.”
The following are the top 10 types of consumer complaints. Below that are James’ tips for avoiding fraud.
1. Internet Related (8346) – Internet services and service providers, data privacy and security, digital media, data breaches, and frauds through internet manipulation.
2. Landlord / Tenant Disputes (3,144) – Security deposit releases and tenant harassment.
3. Retail Sales (2,678) – Price gouging, defective merchandise, poor customer service, pet stores, and animal breeders.
4. Consumer-related services (2,610) – COVID-19 testing facilities, alarm companies, dry cleaners, restaurants, movers, and services for personal household use.
5. Automobile (2,283) – Sales, service, financing, and repairs.
6. Credit (1,539)_ – Debt collection, credit card billing, debt settlement and debt relief, payday loans, credit repair, credit reporting agencies, and identity theft.
7. Utilities (1,145) – Wireless and residential phones, energy servicers and suppliers, and cable and satellite…
