Top Frauds Included Internet, Housing Issues, Retail, Automobile, and Consumer Services
AG James Offers Tips to Avoid Scams, Urges New Yorkers to Report Fraud to Her Office
NEW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James kicked off National Consumer Protection Week by releasing a list of the top 10 consumer fraud complaints received by the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) in 2021. Attorney General James also provides a variety of tips on how consumers can avoid common scams.
“Let this list serve as a warning to all New Yorkers to keep their guard up against scam artists,” said Attorney General James. “From inaccurate turnaround times for COVID-19 test results to deceitful debt collectors, scammers took advantage of these difficult times to mislead and deceive New Yorkers. My office is committed to rooting out fraudsters and protecting all New Yorkers, young and old, from harm. Consumers have been valuable in helping my office identify and eradicate fraud, and I urge them to remain vigilant and follow these tips.”
The following are the top 10 consumer complaints received by OAG in 2021 by category:
|
1. Internet |
Internet-Related (internet services and service providers, data privacy and security, digital media, data breaches, frauds through internet manipulation). |
8346 |
|
2. Landlord / Tenant |
Landlord/Tenant Disputes (security deposit releases, tenant-harassment). |
3144 |
|
3. Retail Sales |
Retail related (price gouging, defective… |