STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. – In 2024, tens of thousands of New Yorkers found themselves victims of scams, fraud, and questionable business practices, with certain types of consumer deception occurring with alarming frequency.
On Wednesday, New York Attorney General Letitia James published a list of the top 10 consumer complaints filed by state residents.
“Every day, my office combats a wide array of fraudulent, deceptive, and unlawful practices, safeguarding New Yorkers from price gouging, deed theft, false advertising, and more,” stated James. “It is more crucial than ever for consumers and small businesses in New York to know that my office is on their side and consistently working to protect their wallets.”
Here’s a breakdown of the top 10 consumer complaints recorded in New York in 2024:
- Retail Sales – 5,150 complaints This category encompasses complaints related to online purchases, price gouging, retail sales, defective merchandise, poor customer service, along with issues tied to pet stores and animal breeders.
- Landlord/Tenant – 3,856 complaints These complaints address issues surrounding security deposits, evictions, and tenant harassment.
- Automobile – 3,761 complaints This includes complaints related to car sales, service, financing, and repairs.
- Internet – 3,708 complaints This area covers internet services and providers, data privacy and security, digital media, and instances of fraud perpetrated through internet manipulation.
- Credit, Banking and Mortgages – 3,560 complaints Included in this category are complaints regarding debt collection, credit card billing, debt settlement, payday loans, credit repair, credit reporting agencies, identity theft, banking practices, loan modification scams, as well as mortgage lending and servicing.
- Consumer Services – 3,156 complaints This covers issues with immigration service providers, alarm companies, dry cleaners, restaurants, movers, storage facilities, and services for personal or household use.
- Utilities – 1,555 complaints This includes complaints related to wireless and residential phones, energy services and suppliers, and cable and satellite companies.
- Home Repair/Improvement – 1,225 complaints This covers complaints around repair issues, deceitful contractors, and solar panel installations.
- Entertainment – 859 complaints This captures complaints related to events, concerts, ticket sales, and streaming services.
- Travel – 734 complaints This includes complaints related to airline customer service, flight cancellations, and refunds.
A comprehensive list of tips for avoiding these types of scams is available on the Attorney General’s website.
Individuals in New York who believe they have been victims of deception, scams, or fraudulent business practices are urged to file a complaint online.
“I encourage everyone to stay vigilant, follow our tips, and contact my office with information about scams and violations of consumer protection laws,” James advised.
