State lists top consumer complaints
Consumer debt-related scams and identity theft topped a list of consumer complaints made in 2014 to the Illinois Attorney General.
Madigan's office received 21,791 complaints in 2014. For the seventh year in a row, consumer debt ranked as the top complaint filed with Madigan's Consumer Protection Division.
Here is a list of the Top 10 consumer complaints with the total number of complaints filed:
1. Consumer debt (mortgage lending, debt collections, credit cards) 3,655
2. Identity theft (fraudulent credit cards and utility accounts, bank fraud) 2,617
3. Telecommunications (wireless service, local phone service, cable/satellite) 2,162
4. Construction and home improvement (remodeling, roofs/gutters) 1,900
5. Motor vehicles and used auto sales (as-is sales, financing, warranties) 1,305
6. Promotions and schemes (sweepstakes, pyramid, work-at home scams) 1,199
7. Mail order (Internet purchases, catalog ordering, television/radio) 868
8. Fraud against businesses (consulting, directories/publications) 762
9. Motor vehicle and non-warranty repair (collision/body, engines) 608
10. Utilities (electric, natural gas/propane, water/sewer, waste removal) 566
Consumers can contact the Identity Theft Hotline at (866) 999-5630 for assistance on identity theft and data breach problems. A consumer fraud hotline is at (800) 386-5438.
Madigan said her office drafted a bill sponsored by state Sen. Daniel Biss, Skokie Democrat, and state Rep. Ann Williams, a Chicago Democrat, that would strengthen requirements for notifying consumers about data breaches.
"Identity theft has long been a top concern for Illinois residents," she said. "But in light of last year's massive data breaches, it is clearer than ever that much more must be done to protect sensitive data while ensuring that people know when their information has been compromised and what they should do to minimize the damage."