Credit, finance issues top consumer complaints

\JEFFERSON CITY -- For the fourth consecutive year, credit and finance issues topped the list of consumer complaints and inquiries to the Missouri Attorney General's Office, Attorney General Jay Nixon recently reported.

Nixon's office fielded more than 93,000 consumer hotline calls, letters and e-mails in 2002, resulting in more than 23,000 formal complaints and inquiries.

The Consumer Protection Division of the Attorney General's Office received 3,428 complaints and inquiries in 2002 in the credit and finance category, which includes complaints about credit repair; advance-fee loans; payday and title loans; auto, mortgage, and home equity loans; and bank practices.

Nixon said credit and finance issues have been the leading source of complaints to his office each year since 1999.

"Credit and finance scams often prey on those consumers who can least afford to lose their money," Nixon said.

Consumers can contact the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division through the toll-free hotline at 800-392-8222, or they can download a complaint form.

Top 10 list of consumer complaints:

1. Credit and finance: 3,428

2. Telephone slamming, cramming, billing and unauthorized long-distance service: 1,747

3. Home repair, remodeling and construction services: 1,236

4. Gas prices: 1,205

5. Travel scams and timeshares: 1,202

6. Pyramid and business opportunities: 1,057

7. Auto sales, odometer, title and towing: 820

8. Automotive repair and warranty: 603

9. Sweepstakes and lotteries: 529

10. Home furnishings and electronic equipment: 512