Introduction
In observance of National Consumer Protection Week, Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul has unveiled the top 10 consumer complaints received by his office in 2024. For the fourth consecutive year, issues related to home repairs and remodeling have dominated the list, underscoring persistent challenges faced by Illinois residents in the construction and home improvement sectors.
Top 10 Consumer Complaints of 2024
The Attorney General’s Consumer Fraud Bureau documented a total of 18,901 written complaints in 2024, alongside tens of thousands of phone inquiries. The top 10 complaint categories are as follows:
- Construction/Home Improvement: 2,091 complaints
- Identity Theft: 1,578 complaints
- Consumer Debt: 1,440 complaints
- Retail Sales: 1,323 complaints
- Motor Vehicles: 1,231 complaints
- Telecommunications: 1,102 complaints
- Internet Services: 987 complaints
- Fraudulent Schemes: 876 complaints
- Landlord/Tenant Issues: 765 complaints
- Health Care: 654 complaints
Persistent Issues in Home Repairs and Remodeling
Complaints concerning home repairs and remodeling have consistently topped the list, reflecting ongoing consumer dissatisfaction with the quality of work, delays, and, in some cases, contractors failing to perform any work after receiving payment. Attorney General Raoul emphasized the importance of thorough research before hiring contractors and advised consumers to consult his office’s consumer protection resources for guidance on avoiding home repair fraud.
Rise in Identity Theft Cases
Identity theft remained a significant concern in 2024, with consumers reporting unauthorized use of personal information, fraudulent credit accounts, and stolen government benefits. Raoul urged residents to remain vigilant about safeguarding their personal information, especially online, and to regularly update passwords and monitor financial statements for suspicious activity.
Consumer Debt and Retail Sales Complaints
The third and fourth spots on the list were occupied by consumer debt and retail sales complaints, respectively. Issues ranged from disputed debts and aggressive collection practices to disputes over product quality and return policies. The Attorney General’s office offers resources to assist consumers in understanding their rights and navigating these challenges.
Motor Vehicle and Telecommunications Issues
Motor vehicle-related complaints, including disputes over purchases, repairs, and warranties, ranked fifth. Telecommunications issues, such as billing disputes and service problems, followed closely behind. Consumers facing such issues are encouraged to file complaints with the Attorney General’s Consumer Fraud Bureau.
Efforts to Protect Consumers
In 2024, the Attorney General’s Consumer Fraud Bureau successfully mediated disputes, saving consumers over $12 million, and secured more than $48 million through enforcement actions. Raoul’s office remains committed to defending the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) to ensure the enforcement of federal consumer protection laws. In February, Raoul joined a coalition of 23 attorneys general in filing an amicus brief supporting the CFPB’s continued operation, highlighting its role in returning over $20 billion to defrauded consumers and curbing predatory lending practices.
How to File a Complaint
Illinois residents who believe they have been victims of fraud, deception, or unfair business practices are encouraged to file a complaint with the Attorney General’s office. Complaints can be submitted online through the official website or by mailing a completed complaint form to one of the Consumer Fraud Bureau offices located in Chicago, Springfield, or Carbondale. For assistance, consumers can contact the Consumer Fraud Hotline at 1-800-386-5438 (Chicago), 1-800-243-0618 (Springfield), or 1-800-243-0607 (Carbondale).
Conclusion
The annual release of the top 10 consumer complaints serves as a vital reminder for Illinois residents to remain vigilant and informed about potential frauds and scams. Attorney General Raoul’s office continues to provide resources and support to protect consumers from deceptive practices. By staying informed and proactive, consumers can better safeguard themselves against prevalent issues in the marketplace.
(Source : newsbreak.com)
