Attorney General Bruning Announces Top 5 consumer Complaints

LINCOLN - Attorney General Jon Bruning announced the top 5 complaints received by his Consumer Protection Division mediation center in 2010. In 2010, recoveries topped $1.1 million after closing more than 4,800 consumer complaints. “Dealing with faulty products or services from legitimate companies can be just as tricky as avoiding scam artists,” said Bruning. “Our highly-trained staff works hard to resolve conflicts and recover hard-earned money for Nebraskans.” Top 5 Consumer Complaints 1) Credit and Financial Services (inaccurate billing) – 600 complaints 2) Personal Services (unauthorized charges) - 432 complaints 3) Professional Services (debt collection calls) - 421 complaints 4) Motor Vehicles (non-delivery of pre-paid goods or services or services not performed) - 300 complaints 5) Home Improvement (non-delivery of pre-paid goods, contracts, down payments or poor workmanship) - 195 complaints Since Bruning took office in 2003, an annual average of more than $1 million has been returned to Nebraska consumers through mediation. The Consumer Protection Division’s mediation center is staffed by highly-trained volunteers that work to resolve issues between Nebraskans and private businesses. The Division also provides timely information on scams operating in Nebraska through direct community outreach across the state. For more information, call the consumer hotline at 1-800-727-6432 or visit the website at www.ago.ne.gov.