New York’s top consumer complaints of 2023 revealed by Attorney General Letitia James

1. Retail Sales: Online purchases, price gouging, retail sales, defective merchandise, poor customer service, pet stores and animal breeders.
2. Landlord/Tenant: Security deposit releases, evictions, harassment of tenants.
3. Automobile: Sales, service, financing, repairs.
4. Credit, Banking, and Mortgages: Debt collection, credit card billing, debt settlement, payday loans, credit repair, credit reporting agencies, identity theft, banking, loan modification scams, mortgage lending and servicing.
5. Consumer Services: Alarm companies, dry cleaners, restaurants, movers, storage facilities, services for personal or household use.
6. Internet: Internet services and service providers, data privacy and security, digital media, frauds through internet manipulation.
7. Utilities: Wireless and residential phones, energy services and suppliers, cable and satellite.
8. Home Repair/Improvement: Repair issues, deceitful contractors, solar panel installations.
9. Travel: Airline customer service, flight cancellations and refunds.
10. Entertainment: Events, concerts, ticket sales.

The compilation of complaints is part of Attorney General James’ broader effort to enforce New York’s consumer protection laws, including defending rent stabilization laws, fighting discrimination in housing and combating corporate profiteering. Noteworthy actions include a lawsuit against Credit Acceptance Corporation for deceptive auto loans and efforts to recall unsafe Hyundai and Kia vehicles.

Another big complaint concerns the unlawful retention of security deposits, evictions and tenant harassment. Landlords often fail to return security deposits within the mandated 14-day period or improperly withhold funds for supposed damages without providing the required itemized receipts. Additionally, issues around rent stabilization, illegal lease terms and insufficient maintenance of security deposits in interest-bearing accounts are prevalent.

The top complaints by category include issues related to retail sales, automobile problems, and…