RALEIGH, N.C. (Legal Newsline) - North Carolina Attorney General Roy Cooper says telemarketing fraud, unwanted sales calls and lending are at the top of his office’s consumer complaint list.
“Learning about common sources of consumer complaints can help you avoid pitfalls and save money,” Cooper said. “My office is here to help North Carolina consumers when you need us, but we’d rather prevent these problems from happening in the first place.”
Telemarketing fraud accounted for the top spot on the list, as criminals and con artists often from international countries attempt to swindle money and personal information from consumers by posing as IRS agents, law enforcement, tech support and utility companies, according to the office.
Do not call violations held the second spot on the list with 3,492 complaints. Consumers placed on the Do Not Call Registry still got unwanted calls, particularly prerecorded robocalls. These robocalls often include pitches for lower interest rates on credit cards, medical alert systems and home alarm systems.
There were 2,526 complaints about lending, making it No. 3 on the attorney general’s list. Lending issues include high interest rates, charges for late or missed payments, prepayment penalties and loan fees.