New Jersey officials received just over 18,000 total consumer complaints last year, according to a release Monday from the state’s Division of Consumer Affairs.
Complaints regarding motor vehicles and sales topped the list last year, with 2,514 submitted to the state, the division said. Those cases included predatory towing, automotive repairs, car sales and auto parts pricing.
Last year, the state reached “significant” settlements with nine dealerships across the state totaling $650,000.
Car dealerships
According to the announcement, the dealerships’ alleged violations include:
• Failing to list prior accidents, damage and repairs made to vehicles.• Failing to honor the advertised price of a used car.• Charging excessive vehicle preparation fees.• Failing to disclose the full sale price of a motor vehicle.• Deceptive advertising.
Contractors
In second place behind cars were contractors and home improvement, with 2,310 complaints, followed by major appliances, with 1,080 complaints last year, state officials said.
Other major complaints in the top 10 include “internet sales, medical care, moving and storage, professional and occupational services, stores, credit and finally gasoline.”
But those first three categories — automobiles, contractors and home improvements, and major appliances — made up 65% of complaints in the top 10.
“The Division of Consumer Affairs is a crucial part of the everyday lives of New Jersey residents by enforcing consumer protection laws and educating the public to avoid fraud,” said Attorney General Matthew Platkin, whose office oversees the division. “Consumer complaints alert DCA on who is violating those laws and what patterns of fraud are emerging in the marketplace.”
How to register a complaint
The division’s Office of Consumer Protection typically receives over 1,000 new complaints a month through its online portal. Agency staff members receive the complaint to determine whether the issue violates state law and warrants a follow-up.
Complaints can be filed by calling 800-242-5846 or 973-504-6200, or by filing a complaint online.
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: NJ consumer affairs' top complaints in 2022