Photo Courtesy of the Attorney General’s Office
NY Attorney General Eric Schneiderman recently released a list of the top ten consumer fraud complaints received by his office in 2017, and some tips on how to avoid future scams.
By Forum Staff
State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman recently released the list of the top ten consumer fraud complaints received by his office in 2017, and offered tips for New Yorkers on how to avoid future scams.
According to the AG’s office, for the twelfth year in a row Internet-related complaints topped the list with 5,153 complaints. This category covered issues such as child safety, privacy, civil rights, spyware, spam, consumer fraud, and free speech. Internet-related complaints were followed by 3,188 auto complaints, which involved sales, services, financing, rentals, and repairs. Consumer-related services ranked third with 2,463 complaints, which included issues regarding alarm companies, dry cleaners, furniture repair and refinishers, restaurants, hair and nail salons, movers, watch repairs, and other services for personal household use. Consumer-related services was followed by 1,961 landlord/tenant complaints such as rent security deposit issues and allegations of tenant harassment.
Rounding out the top five, there were 1,827 utilities-related complaints, which included reports on cable and satellite companies, energy services and suppliers, and wireless and residential phone carriers.
Coming in at six to ten on the list of top consumer fraud complaints received by the attorney general in 2017: credit, retail sales, home repair/construction, mail order, and mortgage.
Schneiderman also offered these tips for consumers to protect themselves from scams involving the aforementioned categories:
Internet: If you are not receiving the speed you are paying for, call your Internet service provider to find out why. Remember to refrain from conducting any transactions that involve personal, financial, or credit card information while using an open and unsecured Wi-Fi connection – identity thieves often stake out open networks seeking victims.
Automobile: New York’s New and Used Car Lemon Laws provide a legal remedy for buyers or lessees of new cars that turn out to be lemons. You may be entitled to a full refund if your car does not conform to the terms of the written warranty and the manufacturer or its authorized dealer is unable to repair the car after a reasonable number of attempts. The law allows consumers to shop around for the best deal when leasing a car, set limits on early termination, and gives the attorney general’s office jurisdiction to resolve excess wear-and-tear disputes.
Consumer-Related Services: Make sure to use a written contract for all services that clearly defines restrictions and obligations of both the consumer and service-provider.
Landlord/Tenant Disputes: Incidents of harassment include: landlords operating without proper permits; construction projects operating in violation of stop work orders; and landlords who openly ignore requirements for tenant protection plans in order to contain the spread of lead and/or asbestos which may be exposed during renovation. Tenants may lodge complaints by completing and submitting a Tenant Rights Complaint Form or calling (800) 771-7755.
Utilities/Wireless and Residential Phone Service: A common complaint with long-term wireless service contracts involves the sometimes hefty price for cancellation. If you are unsure exactly what plan best fits your calling habits – and want to avoid paying a large termination fee – it might be best to avoid an extended contract.
Credit: Debt collectors may not harass or abuse consumers, nor provide misleading information – for instance, claiming to represent a government agency. Debt collectors cannot sue on debts outside the applicable statute of limitations, the time frame established for the enforcement of legal rights. Consumers have the right to demand verification of the debt.
Retail Sales: Check return and refund policies. The law requires all merchants to post their refund policies. A store that fails to do so must give consumers 30 days to get a refund in the manner that the purchase was made. Be especially vigilant of “final sales” or “cash-only – final sale” notices, as you will have little or no recourse if the merchandise proves to be defective. Some stores require the original packaging and charge a hefty restocking fee for returned items.
Home Repair/Construction: Before entering into a contract, shop around for estimates, check in with the Better Business Bureau, banks, suppliers, and neighbors for references. Insist on a written contract that includes the price and description of the work needed and negotiate a payment schedule tied to the completion of specific stages of the jobs. Never pay the full price up front. You have three days after signing a home improvement contract to cancel it.
Mail Order: Whether ordering online or from a catalog, make sure the company has an operating customer service line and lists a real street address.
Mortgage: Look out for offers that claim to stop or delay foreclosure payments for an upfront fee or make payments on your behalf. Beware of companies that suggest a government affiliation or claim to be with the government or those that work with attorneys but do not provide legal services.
