Home improvement troubles topped the list of complaints consumers filed with the Consumer Protection Division in 2017, and imposter scams jumped to number two.
Out of approximately 2,961 written complaints filed in 2017, 224 related to home improvements.
While imposter scams are second on the list for written complaints at 161, thousands more consumers contacted the Consumer Protection Division to report the scams but did not file complaints.
Imposter scams, which generally occur through phone calls or emails, involve someone who pretends to be someone they’re not, and the scammer seeks immediate payment. Imposters make wide-ranging fake claims, including IRS agents collecting overdue tax payments, relatives who need money for an emergency, people who seek processing fees for prize winnings, or long-distance companions who need cash.
“Imposter scams are by far what Iowans report the most—these calls come in every day,” Attorney General Tom Miller said. “Don’t wire money or provide money card or gift card numbers to anyone over the phone who wants you to pay now,” Miller added. “Scammers spoof caller-ID displays, so you simply can’t trust caller-ID information.” Miller urges Iowans to hang up when receiving such a call. Seek advice from a trusted source, or if you’re unsure about a caller’s claim, verify it by calling a known number of the supposed source—for example, if the caller claims to be an IRS agent, call the number the IRS lists on its website and not the number that may appear on your caller-id display.
Internet service providers and internet/media bundles rounded out the top three complaints at 136.
2017 TOP TEN CONSUMER PROTECTION DIVISION COMPLAINTS
Category Complaints
1. Home improvements 224
2. Imposter scams 161
3. Internet service providers and bundles 136
4. Payday loans 127
5. Motor vehicle credit 122
6. Cell phones 120
7. Auto repairs 107
8. Debt collection 103
9. Insurance 102
10. Used vehicle sales practices 100
Total written consumer complaints: 2,961