The Top 10 Consumer Complaints Filed In New York State

As New Yorkers, we definitely speak our minds, especially if we feel someone is trying to scam or take advantage of us. To kick-off Consumer Protection Week, New York's Attorney General Letitia James has released the list of the top 10 categories of services and businesses with complaints. Attorney James says the list should encourage residents to keep an eye out for those doing bad business,

“Let this list serve as a warning to all New Yorkers to keep their guard up against scam artists. 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. My office is committed to rooting out fraudsters and protecting all New Yorkers, young and old, from harm. Consumers have been valuable in helping my office identify and eradicate fraud, and I urge them to remain vigilant and follow these tips.”

These 10 Categories Had The Most Consumer Complaints In New York State In 2021

10. Furniture/Appliances - 611 Complaints

Complaints included defective items, issues with delivery problems, and service and repair problems.

9. Health Clubs - 778 Complaints

Complaints included difficulties canceling memberships, not being able to access the facilities, lack of communication from the clubs, and issues with refunds.

8. Home Repair/Improvement - 1,034 Complaints

Complaints included unsatisfactory repairs and dishonest contractors.

7. Utilities - 1,145 Complaints

Complaints included problems with phone, energy, cable, and satellite services.

6. Credit - 1,539 Complaints

Complaints included problems with debt collection, reporting agencies, billing, debt settlement, payday loans, credit repair, and identity theft.

5. Automobile - 2,283 Complaints

Complaints included issues with sales, service, financing, and repairs.

4. Services - 2,610 Complaints

Complaints included problems with businesses such as COVID-19 testing facilities, alarm companies, movers, dry cleaners, restaurants, and other consumer service providers.

3. Retail Sales - 2,678 Complaints

Complaints included price gouging, faulty merchandise, and bad customer service.

2. Landlord / Tenant - 3,144 Complaints

Complaints included security deposit issues and tenant harassment.

1. Internet - 8,346 Complaints

Complaints included problems with service providers, personal data privacy, data security and breaches, and scams and frauds.

If you need to file a consumer complaint, you can do so with the Consumer Frauds and Protection Bureau online or by calling (800) 771-7755.

Get our free mobile app

'