As part of National Consumer Protection Week, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has shared insights into the work of the Department’s Consumer Protection Team and the top consumer complaints of 2024.
Attorney General Nessel's office collaborates with organizations such as the Better Business Bureau, the Federal Trade Commission, and AARP to inform and educate Michigan residents about scams, data breaches, and other consumer-related issues. The Consumer Protection Team processes over 10,000 written complaints and more than 20,000 phone calls annually from consumers. They enforce several statutes including the Michigan Consumer Protection Act (MCPA).
Violations of the MCPA often result in financial losses for consumers due to products or services not received. In cases where recovery was possible, the team recouped $1.9 million for Michigan consumers and businesses in 2024 through mediation recovery, settlements, and refunds.
The top ten complaint categories for 2024 were:
- Internet: Issues related to online purchases and internet service providers.
- Retail: Problems with late deliveries or non-delivered products.
- Motor Vehicle/Automobile: Complaints against car dealers and repair shops.
- Credit/Financial Concerns: Includes debt collection, credit repair, payday lending.
- Personal Service Providers: Covers dating services, beauty companies, fitness facilities.
- Health Service Providers: Includes doctors, dentists, hospitals.
- Landlord/Tenant: Disputes between renters and property managers.
- Gasoline/Fuel/Energy: Complaints against utility companies and gas stations.
- Contractors: Issues with construction services and special trade contractors.
- Telecommunications/Cable/Satellite TV: Billing and service issues.
"I am incredibly proud of the work my Consumer Protection Team does every year to help Michigan residents resolve complaints and fight back against fraud," Nessel stated. "I want to thank the thousands of Michiganders that reached out to my office in an effort to hold bad actors accountable. Our efforts are making a real difference. If you think you’ve been scammed, please do not hesitate to contact us."
These areas accounted for 8,596 out of a total of 10,423 written complaints received by the team in 2024. The department reviews each complaint submitted via online forms or email. Regular alerts are issued when new scams emerge so residents can be informed.
To file a complaint or obtain more information:
Consumer Protection Team
P.O. Box 30213
Lansing, MI 48909
517-335-7599
Fax: 517-241-3771
Toll-free: 877-765-8388
Online complaint form available on their website.