NEW YORK, NY (March 2, 2026) — New York Attorney General Letitia James marked the beginning of National Consumer Protection Week by releasing a list of the top 10 consumer complaints received by the Office of the Attorney General in 2025, highlighting concerns over high prices of essential goods and services, housing issues, bank fraud and violations of online privacy.
The top fraud categories included retail sales, internet services, automobile issues, credit and banking matters, and landlord-tenant disputes.
“New Yorkers are already feeling the squeeze of higher prices, and scams, hidden fees, and deceptive practices can make daily life even harder to afford,” James said. “My office will not tolerate companies that take advantage of New Yorkers, and I am committed to enforcing the law and returning money to consumers who are cheated. I urge everyone to stay alert and report suspected scams and fraud to my office so we can continue protecting New Yorkers’ wallets.”
According to the Attorney General’s Office, the top 10 most common consumer complaints in 2025 were:
Retail Sales — 4,809 complaints, including online purchases, deceptive advertising, price gouging, defective merchandise and poor customer service. Internet — 4,595 complaints involving internet services and providers, data privacy and security, digital media and internet manipulation fraud. Automobile — 4,521 complaints related to car sales, service, financing and repairs. Credit, Banking, and Mortgages — 4,235 complaints involving debt collection, credit card billing, payday loans, identity theft, mortgage lending and servicing. Landlord/Tenant — 4,041 complaints, including security deposits, evictions and tenant harassment. Consumer Services — 3,330 complaints related to immigration service providers, alarm companies, restaurants, movers and other personal services. Utilities — 1,423 complaints involving wireless and residential phones, energy services and cable and satellite companies. Home Repair/Improvement — 1,349 complaints involving repair issues, deceitful contractors and solar panel installations. Entertainment — 1,079 complaints related to events, concerts, ticket sales and streaming services. Travel — 718 complaints involving airline customer service, flight cancellations and refunds.
James urged consumers who believe they have been victims of deceptive or fraudulent practices to file a complaint online or call 1-800-771-7755.
The Attorney General also released guidance for consumers to avoid common scams.
Under New York’s Algorithmic Pricing Disclosure Act, which took effect Nov. 10, 2025, most companies using algorithmic or “surveillance” pricing must clearly disclose when prices are set using consumers’ personal data. Businesses that fail to comply can face a $1,000 penalty per violation. Consumers are encouraged to compare prices offered online, discounts within apps and price changes after tracked actions to determine whether individualized pricing may be in use.
New York law also prohibits price gouging during emergencies, barring vendors from selling essential goods and services at unconscionably excessive prices. Consumers reporting price gouging are asked to provide dates, locations, receipts and photos if available.
On housing issues, the Attorney General’s Office reminded tenants that landlords must return security deposits within 14 days of move-out and provide an itemized statement for any deductions. Tenants may be entitled to up to twice the amount of the security deposit if landlords fail to comply.
The office also highlighted protections for rent-stabilized tenants, guidance for consumers under New York’s Lemon Laws, and steps Hyundai and Kia owners can take to prevent theft following enforcement action related to anti-theft technology.
Consumers facing high utility bills, unauthorized shutoffs or winter service terminations were advised of state protections, including notice requirements and restrictions on shutoffs between Nov. 1 and April 15.
To combat internet fraud and account takeovers, the Attorney General recommended using strong, unique passwords, enabling multifactor authentication, activating account-change notifications, maintaining up-to-date antivirus software and monitoring breached credential databases.
James also warned about credit and banking scams, advising consumers not to click unsolicited links, not to share security codes, and not to move money at the urging of unknown callers. Consumers concerned about identity theft may freeze their credit with Equifax, Experian or TransUnion at no cost.
The Attorney General further cautioned immigrants against fraudulent service providers, noting that under New York law such providers cannot offer legal advice, use certain titles or demand fees for unperformed services. Consumers who suspect immigration fraud can contact the Attorney General’s Immigration Services Fraud Unit Hotline at (212) 416-6149.
Additional guidance addressed home improvement scams, contractor licensing requirements in several counties and cities, and consumer rights related to air travel, including refunds for canceled flights and compensation for denied boarding in certain circumstances.
James encouraged all New Yorkers to remain vigilant and report suspected scams to help protect consumers statewide.
This article was prepared with the assistance of AI tools under the direction and editing of Robert Cox.