Retail, Housing, and Auto Issues Lead Complaints, Attorney General Offers Tip
ALBANY, NY (March 5, 2025) — New York Attorney General Letitia James released a list of the top 10 consumer complaints received by her office in 2024 on Tuesday, coinciding with National Consumer Protection Week. The complaints highlight issues such as retail fraud, landlord-tenant disputes, and automobile-related problems, with James providing guidance to help New Yorkers avoid scams.
“My office works daily to protect New Yorkers from fraudulent practices like price gouging and false advertising,” James said in a statement. “We encourage consumers to stay vigilant, follow our tips, and report any scams to us.”
The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) recorded over 27,000 complaints in 2024. Retail sales topped the list with 5,150 complaints, driven by issues like online purchase problems and price gouging, particularly for eggs and poultry amid a national bird flu outbreak. Landlord-tenant issues followed with 3,856 complaints, then automobile concerns with 3,761, including car sales and lease buyout disputes.
Internet-related complaints totaled 3,708, while credit, banking, and mortgage issues accounted for 3,560. Other categories included consumer services (3,156), utilities (1,555), home repairs (1,225), entertainment (859), and travel (734).
James offered practical advice for consumers. She urged reporting price gouging with evidence like receipts or photos, noting penalties can reach $25,000 per violation. For tenants, she clarified that landlords must return security deposits within 14 days of moving out or provide an itemized receipt for deductions. On automobile issues, she cautioned against hidden fees in lease buyouts and pointed to protections under New York’s Lemon Laws.
For online safety, James recommended strong passwords and multifactor authentication to prevent account takeovers. She also suggested freezing credit reports with Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion to guard against fraud following data breaches.
The OAG took action in 2024, securing $675,000 in baby formula from price gougers, $4.6 million from an equipment leasing company, and a $1.1 billion judgment against a predatory lending network. James also pursued Citibank for allegedly failing to reimburse fraud victims.
Consumers can file complaints with the OAG online or by calling (800) 771-7755.