Top 10 Consumer Complaints
January to June 2007
Based on consumer calls to the Office of Consumer Protection, these are the predominant problems reported in Montana during the six-month period between January 1 and June 30, 2007. For assistance with filing a complaint, see Consumer Complaints.
- Telemarketing and Do-Not-Call List. Consumers report receiving various calls even though they have signed up on the do-not-call list. This is possible because charities, companies that have a previous or existing business relationship with the consumer, and people taking surveys and scheduling appointments are exempt from the do-not-call law. Also, various fraudulent charities and companies may continue to call consumers for donations or sales. For more information, see Telemarketing.
- Collection Agencies/Debt Collection. Consumers report being contacted by companies collecting for debts they did not incur. Consumers also report instances of violations of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (PDF), such as unwillingness to verify debt or to disclose the company address.
- Counterfeit Checks. Consumers report that they have been sent fraudulent checks from companies or individuals. The scammer tells the consumer to "wire" a certain amount of the check back to pay for processing, transportation, finder's fees, taxes or other expenses. Consumers who follow these instructions and deposit the checks usually find that the checks were counterfeit. Consumers then find they are financially responsible to the bank for any money they have wired or spent. This scam is often linked to foreign lottery or sweepstakes scams.
- Household Repair and Remodeling. Many consumers report hiring a contractor to do work for them but, after prepaying for the work, the contractor does not return to the jobsite. In other cases, disagreement arises because the consumer and contractor did not communicate clearly when they discussed the initial job. For more information, see Choosing a Contractor.
- Cell Phones. Consumers report problems with:
- poor reception
- unexpected roaming charges
- defective phones
- Used-Car Sales Practices. Consumers report purchasing a
car and having either buyer's remorse or a major problem with the vehicle.
- Don't be rushed. Don't give in to high pressure pitches.
- Take the car to a mechanic you trust and have it checked for problems or necessary repairs
- Read and understand the warranty – it may be full, limited, or "as is." "As is" means you have no warranty at all.
- Credit Card Billing Practices. Consumers report billing errors, unauthorized charges or inaccurate late fees. Many of these problems can be resolved relatively easily by calling the card issuer and explaining the problem. Most companies will work with consumers to rectify mistakes.
- Auto Repairs and Service Problems. Consumers report that
they have been overcharged or a problem was improperly corrected.
- Always get a written estimate of the work to be done, with an expected completion date. The final amount charged may not be above the written estimate by more than 10 percent (for estimates over $250) or $25 (for estimates under $250), unless the consumer provides oral or written authorization.
- Get references for the auto repair shop and take the time to check out the references.
- Ask the shop if it provides a warranty for the work performed.
- Satellite Service. Consumers report that they were deceived
prior to making a purchase and would like to cancel. However, since they signed a contract to subscribe
for one year, they are required to pay cancellation fees.
Consumers also report that:- they were misled and are not receiving the service they signed up for
- the price increased after a certain number of months
- they are unable to get their local channels as promised
- Internet Purchases. Consumers report they have purchased computer equipment, software or other merchandise from an Internet company and have not received the products. The company no longer responds to the consumer's e-mails or phone calls once it received the payment.