Broadcasts prime 10 client complaints of 2022 & “Stopping Scams Collectively” initiative
Vermont Enterprise Journal In recognition of Nationwide Client Safety Week, Legal professional Common Charity Clark right this moment introduced the highest 10 client complaints acquired by her workplace’s Client Help Program (CAP) in 2022. CAP, a partnership between the Legal professional Common’s Workplace and the College of Vermont, presents a free mediation service for Vermont shoppers, together with small companies. In 2022, CAP acquired 1,206 complaints and recovered greater than $452,000 for Vermont shoppers, practically doubling the whole quantity of recoveries for Vermonters in comparison with 2021 ($240,000).
Claiming the record’s prime spots are complaints involving automobiles, house enchancment, and retail respectively – collectively representing roughly 52 p.c of all complaints filed in 2022.
See Checklist Beneath.
“The Client Help Program presents a useful service to Vermonters, and I’m grateful for his or her good work and dedication to defending shoppers,” mentioned Legal professional Common Clark. “On daily basis, the Client Help Program resolves complaints, generates refunds, and protects Vermonters from scams and identification theft. I encourage all Vermont shoppers, together with small companies, to achieve out to the Client Help Program for assist.”
Along with client complaints, CAP additionally helps Vermonters forestall and deal with scams. Earlier this 12 months, the Legal professional Common launched the top 10 scams reported to CAP in 2022. Immediately, Legal professional Common Clark gathered with representatives of Walmart and neighborhood leaders to announce her “Stopping Scams Collectively” initiative in help of Nationwide Client Safety Week. She acknowledged the efforts of shops to coach staff to identify scams and frauds and forestall them. And, she introduced a brand new reporting tool the place Vermonters can share their very own successes in stopping scams. These success tales can be used to advertise prevention and educate Vermonters.
CAP has documented hundreds of rip-off stories on the CAP hotline, 1-800-649-2424, and Online Scam Form. Whereas roughly 6 p.c of scams reported in Vermont point out a greenback loss, most rip-off makes an attempt are unsuccessful. The widespread thread amongst stopping scams in progress is the intervention of one other particular person.
For extra data on rip-off prevention, or to report a rip-off or make a client criticism, go to: https://ago.vermont.gov/cap.
The next are the highest 10 client complaints acquired by CAP in 2022:
|
Rank |
Client Grievance Subject |
Variety of Complaints |
|
1 |
Motorized Autos Widespread points included faulty merchandise; failure of state inspection; misrepresentation; and unsatisfactory service/restore. |
246 |
|
2 |
Residence Enchancment Widespread points included unsatisfactory service/restore; felony house enchancment fraud considerations; failure to carry out; improper set up; and deposit refund dispute. |
144 |
|
3 |
Retail Widespread points included failure to ship; refund coverage/ refund disputes; faulty merchandise; and unsatisfactory service. |
128 |
|
4 |
Gasoline Widespread points included pricing complaints; refund delays; propane tank elimination delays; billing disputes; contract disputes; and security considerations. |
120 |
|
5 |
Residence Furnishings Widespread situation included faulty merchandise, usually involving new home equipment. |
81 |
|
6 |
Well being/Medical Widespread points included unauthorized billing; extreme estimate/cost; and faulty merchandise. |
78 |
|
7 |
Banking, Credit score and Finance Widespread points included debt assortment; credit score reporting disputes; and financing/mortgage points. |
60 |
|
8 |
Leisure Widespread points included satellite tv for pc dish; ticket brokers; occasion/live performance Venues; publications; and social media. |
58 |
|
9 |
Housing and Actual Property Widespread points included landlord-tenant points; safety deposit disputes; and guarantee of habitability disputes. |
57 |
|
10 |
Companies Widespread points included tax preparation; childcare suppliers; plumbers; and sweetness companies. |
41 |
3.9.2023. WILLISTON, Vt. – Legal professional Common