ALBANY, NY (WKBW) -- The New York State Protection Board announced Monday the Top Ten List of consumer complaints and inquiries.
Read the full release below:
In observance of National Consumer Protection Week, the NYS Consumer Protection Board (CPB) today released its “Top Ten List” of complaints and inquiries for 2009.
As was the case in 2008, problems and questions pertaining to the Do Not Call Law topped the list. Next on the list of subjects were credit/credit cards, business policies and practices, and used car sales.
“Thousands of New Yorkers turn to the NYS Consumer Protection Board for help with a complaint or to obtain accurate, unbiased and up-to-date information,” said Mindy A. Bockstein, the CPB’s Chairperson and Executive Director. “In these tough economic times, we have been redoubling our efforts to make sure that consumers know their rights and get their money’s worth in the marketplace.”
For the year, the CPB processed more than 16,000 consumer complaints and fielded more than 44,000 calls to its toll-free, bi-lingual consumer hotline.
There was good news for many of those who filed a complaint - - intervention by the CPB resulted in more than $1.5 million in savings realized for consumers, including refunds, credits, avoided costs and restitution.
“If you have a consumer problem, you don’t have to fight it alone,” said Bockstein. “Whether it’s a telemarketer who keeps calling, an online merchant that fails to deliver merchandise, an energy service company that refuses to honor its cancellation policy, or a debt collector who pursues unsavory tactics, the CPB can offer assistance.”
The CPB also emphasizes prevention by providing the latest consumer tips and advice. The CPB website is regularly updated with information about recent scams, product recalls, data breaches and changes in consumer protection laws.
In addition, the CPB conducts public information campaigns to raise awareness about important issues such as how to avoid identity theft, how to protect your personal privacy, how to guard against disreputable home improvement contractors, and how to steer clear of loan modification scams.
All of these activities place the CPB at the forefront of protecting the safety, security and wallet of New York consumers.
Consumers who need assistance or information are urged to contact the CPB’s toll-free, bi-lingual hotline at 1-800-697-1220. Consumers can also file a complaint and access a wide range of consumer information and services by visiting the CPB website at www.nysconsumer.gov.
Here is the complete list for 2009:
1. Don Not Call Law
2. Credit/Credit Cards
3. Business Policies/Practices
4. Automobiles - Used
5. Merchandise/Product
6. Banking/Lending Institutions
7. Internet/On-Line Services
8. Automobiles - New
9. Insurance
10. Home Improvement
The CPB, established in 1970 by the New York State Legislature, is marking its 40th anniversary as the State’s top consumer watchdog and think tank. The CPB’s core mission is to protect New Yorkers by publicizing unscrupulous and questionable business practices and product recalls; conducting investigations and hearings; enforcing the “Do Not Call” law; researching issues; developing legislation; creating consumer education programs and materials; responding to individual marketplace complaints by securing voluntary agreements; and, representing the interests of consumers before the Public Service Commission and other State and federal agencies.
