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Aug 2, 2008 7:03 am US/Eastern
Consumer Rip Offs For 2007 Get Their Listing
MIAMI (CBS4) ―
With a weakened economy, it's important to get the most from your money. A new survey from a consumer watch dog group listed the top ten complaints from consumers across the country which stem from car sales to home improvement projects.
From false advertising, shoddy construction work, to predatory lending and mortgage fraud, people would just like an honest deal.
The Consumer Federation of America released a new survey showing the top ten consumer complaint categories for 2007.
Topping the list were misrepresentations in car sales, home improvement projects, credit card and debt collection, among other things.
Experts said reporting scams to consumer protection agencies could help resolve matters.
Susan Grant of the nonprofit organization said, "The state and local consumer agencies that we surveyed certainly have been able to shut businesses down and also to get them to change their ways but there is more that needs to be done."
Consumer education is important so that people can learn how to avoid being ripped off. Experts offer some of the following suggestions in protecting oneself:
- Check the track record of a company,
- Hire licensed professionals,
- Pay the safest way - with a credit card and not with cash,
- Don't pay in full upfront - just the deposit - for home improvement projects.
The Consumer Federation of America says while disputing a claim may take some time, the majority of them are resolved to the consumer's satisfaction.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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