Attorney General Roy Cooper outlines top consumer complaints
RALEIGH (WTVD) -- RALEIGH (WTVD) -- Annoying telemarketing calls are at the top of the list when it comes to scams in North Carolina.
State Attorney General Roy Cooper shared with me the top 10 consumer complaints his office is investigating. Topping that list is "do not call" violations.
The phone rings, and you answer it thinking it may be important. Instead, it's one of those annoying robocalls.
"The best thing to do is hang up and don't push one of those buttons they tell you to push," said Cooper.
Cooper says even if you're directed to press a number to stop the calls, don't do it.
"There are a number of these robocall companies that are simply calling people to verify number and once they do they will take that list and sell them to a number of people," said Cooper.
More than 5,000 people have complained to the AG's office about do not call violations. The best advice is to write down their number, and the company's information. Then, report the violation. Also, make sure your phone number is on the do not call list.
The next biggest complaint is lending with more than 3,300 complaints filed in 2013. Before agreeing to any loan, compare and shop. Look at the interest rate, late fees, and any back end fees. Payday lenders are illegal in our state, and that also goes for those companies offering the payday loans online.
"We are working hard to keep them out," said Cooper.
Speaking of keeping them out, another big complaint is home repairs scams. Cooper says more than 1,300 people have had problems with construction, shoddy repairs, and those scam artists who show up and have extra materials and want to do work on your home.
"Do not respond to these people who are knocking door," said Cooper. They have taken advantage of a number of people."
The best advice: Don't let them do any work even though they may offer you a great price. You typically get what you pay for, or even worse, they'll take your money and run.
