The top consumer complaints listed below should not come as
a surprise to anyone. Enterprises TV reviews the top three and offers suggestions
about how to handle a complaint.
The Federal Trade Commission, law enforcement agencies and
consumer protection groups compiled reports on the consumer issues and ranked
the following in this order:
- Identity theft – Stolen personal information used in government documents such as income tax refunds, and applications for government benefits. In order to protect yourself from having your personal identity stolen never give out personal information over the phone or in email. If someone calls or emails to ask for it, let the call roll to voicemail and ignore it. Do not open email from anyone you don’t know. Delete it. Government agencies do not call or email asking for personal information. Other complaints were for credit and debit card fraud.
- Debt collection – Debt collectors use many tactics to scare and intimidate you on the phone or in regular mail. Complaints against them were for harassment calls, profane language, and misrepresentation of amount owed. Debt collectors have to follow state laws when making calls. Each state has its own laws. Visit your state’s website for more information.
- Banks and lenders -- Fees and overdraft charges topped the list for banks and predatory lending practices for lenders. Consumers have the right to file a complaint when their bank overcharges for common services.
Other complaints were for imposter scams, telephone and
mobile services, prizes/lotteries/etc, auto-related, shop at home and catalog
companies, television and electronic media, and advance payment for credit card
services. The Enterprises TV show offers these links for consumers who need to
file a complaint:
Protect yourself.
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