Oklahoma Attorney General Drew Edmondson recently released the list of the top ten consumer complaints received by his office’s Consumer Protection Unit in 2005.
Topping the list again this year were Internet-related complaints.
“Internet usage has exploded over the last few years,” Edmondson said. “It seems everyone is online, and that includes fraud artists. Our consumer complaint list is important in that it helps law enforcement spot new trends and identify areas in which to focus our resources.”
Edmondson’s office received 1,508 Internet-related complaints in 2005.
The top ten list of consumer complaints is as follows:
1. Internet – including auctions, service providers and retail sales
2. Credit – including credit cards, credit reporting agencies and collection agencies
3. Automobiles – including new and used purchasing, repairs and rentals
4. Communications – including telephone and cable TV
5. Health-related complaints – including medical and dental care and health care products
6. Sales – including pets, animals, mail order, jewelry and toys
7. Home repair and construction – including roofing, windows and doors and tree trimming
8. Promotions – including sweepstakes, missing heir promotions and advertising agencies
9. Lending and mortgage services – including banks, savings and loans and credit unions
10. Non-professional services – including entertainment, cleaners, moving and storage
Edmondson today also offered the following tips to help consumers avoid becoming a victim of fraud:
* Only provide financial information online to a secure web site.
* Don’t give financial information over the telephone unless you initiated the call to a reputable business.
* Don’t store your social security card and unnecessary credit cards in your purse or wallet.
* If you aren’t familiar with a particular company, call the Better Business Bureau or the Consumer Protection Unit to check the company’s history before doing business.
* If you believe your information has been stolen, close accounts you think may be at risk and contact local law enforcement and the Federal Trade Commission immediately.
On Feb. 7, Oklahoma consumers shredded 16,020 pounds of personal and financial documents at the second annual Consumer Protection Day at the Capitol, Edmondson said.
“The documents have all been run through a cross-cut shredder and will now be recycled,” said Ed Guthrie, general manager of the Oklahoma City Shred It location.
“Fraud can affect people of any age at any time,” Edmondson said. “The damage that can be done to your credit and your finances can take years to repair. It’s important that we as consumers protect ourselves and our wallets from would-be scammers.”
Source: Oklahoma AG’s Office
Topics Oklahoma
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