Top consumer ripoffs revealed

Identify theft is the top consumer complaint in Mississippi, while misrepresentation in the sale of new and used automobiles tops the list in a national survey.

The Consumer Federation of America and North American Consumer Protection Investigators surveyed 33 consumer agencies in 21 states to compile its top 10 list of complaints for 2015. The Sun Herald checked with the Consumer Protection Office of the state Attorney General’s Office for top complaints in Mississippi.

Home-construction ripoffs were No. 2 on both lists. Many Coast residents fell victim to contractor fraud after Hurricane Katrina in 2005, but it continues to be a problem statewide with 99 complaints logged for 2015 through the Attorney General’s Office.

Hiring a licensed contractor is one way to minimize the chances of being ripped off on home-construction projects. Consumers can search on the Mississippi State Board of Contractors website to make sure their contractor is licensed.

Other top complaints to the attorney general involved automobile repairs and advertising for new cars, plus credit and debt disputes.

The national survey found that the fastest-growing complaint is about “imposter scams.”

“If someone calls or emails you unexpectedly, claiming to be from the IRS, your utility company, a tech support company or even your employer, don’t assume that it’s true,” Susan Grant, director of consumer protection and privacy for CFA, said in a news release. “Be especially wary if you’re asked to send money immediately or provide personal information that the person should already have. These are danger signs of fraud.”

Another growing scam, the national survey found, is the use of iTune gift cards. Scammers who steal card codes can use them for purchases or resell the cards online.

Rounding out the list of consumer complaints in the national survey:

3. Utility service problems and billing disputes.

4. Credit and debt disputes, including include mortgage fraud and predatory lending.

5. False advertising and other deceptive practices in retail sales.

6. Shoddy work or failure to perform services.

7. Landlord-tenant disagreements.

8. Failure to deliver or property repair household goods.

9. Misleading claims or unlicensed practitioners in health products and services industries.

10. Fraud or deceptive practices involving internet sales.

Rachael Ring, a spokesperson for the Attorney General’s Office, said the number of complaints received by the consumer protection division has remained steady.

“As technology and communication methods change, we have noticed an increase in the types of complaints,” she said. “For example, we have received more ‘lonely hearts’ complaints from those contacted over social media and email for money or personal information. In response to increases like these, we will issue alerts on specific topics.”

This story was originally published July 15, 2016 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Top consumer ripoffs revealed."