The number one complaint Tennessee consumers had in 2006 was solicitations by companies who either offered credit or tried to collect a debt. The state’s Consumer Affairs division says it logged 793 such complaints last year.
The Tennessee Attorney General’s office uses the consumer affairs top ten list as a guide to what companies are potentially defrauding the public. Jeff Hill is senior counsel in the Office of Consumer Advocate and Protection.
“What we look at is a pattern of conduct by a company or conduct by a company that affects a lot of consumers, especially if it would be difficult for a consumer to do something on their own behalf. For instance, if there are a lot of complaints against a company that involve a somewhat minor amount of money, something that would make it difficult for a consumer to sue the company and go into court and get a judgment, that’s the type thing we definitely take a look at.”
The number one complaint in 2005 came against home repair service companies; it didn’t even make the list last year. Complaints regarding fraudulent internet sales came in a close second in 2006, with 750 people logging in complaints. Hill says this isn’t surprising given the prevalence of internet sales.
To make a complaint, you can either call 800-342-8385 or file a complaint online at www.state.tn.us/consumer.
On Air - 90.3 WPLN-FM