Ohio AG: More Consumers File Complaints in 2010

In 2010, more than 31,000 consumers filed complaints with Ohio Attorney General Richard Cordray’s office, topping last year’s historic high of 30,259 complaints, the AG’s office says. The new numbers were released in the office’s 2010 Consumer Protection Annual Report.

“This year Ohioans sought help and reported problems more often than any other year on record,” said Cordray. “My office responded by using all of the powers at our disposal to fight for their rights under the law. We filed 42 lawsuits against businesses that violated consumer laws and were awarded more than $7.6 million in consumer restitution, civil penalties and other relief.”

The year’s top 10 complaints concerned:

1. Motorized vehicles
2. Collections, credit reporting or financial services
3. Internet or phone
4. Household goods or property improvement
5. Mortgage
6. Shopping, food or beverages
7. Professional services
8. Sweepstakes or prizes
9. Computers or electronics
10. Utilities

From year to year, the categories of complaints remain largely consistent. However, in 2010, complaints against mortgage companies surged, bumping it up to number five on the top 10 list.

Source: Ohio Attorney General’s Office