Show-Me State Times

Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey has revealed the top ten most common consumer complaints his office handled in 2023. Bailey emphasized the importance of protecting Missouri consumers from scams, stating, “As Attorney General, I want my office to be a voice for Missouri consumers.” He highlighted the office's commitment to fighting against robocallers, shady contractors, and other fraudulent entities preying on consumers.

The Complaint Unit of the Attorney General’s Office plays a crucial role in resolving consumer complaints, with advocates working to mediate disputes between consumers and businesses. In cases where mediation fails, the AGO's investigators step in to investigate alleged fraud, and attorneys pursue legal action when necessary.

In 2023, the AGO's Consumer Protection Division secured significant results, obtaining over $32 million in judgments/settlements for the State of Missouri and recovering more than $12 million in restitution for citizens. The office also handled a total of 59,822 consumer complaints and inquiries throughout the year.

The top ten consumer complaints by industry in 2023 were diverse, covering a range of sectors. From 'No Call' complaints related to illegal telemarketing calls to issues with automotive dealers, real estate, retail/wholesale, financial institutions, communications/technology/online services, travel/timeshares, solicitations/publications/subscriptions, health, and professional services, a wide array of consumer concerns were addressed by the AGO.

Attorney General Bailey urged individuals to report fraud or deception by visiting the AGO's website at www.ago.mo.gov or calling 800-392-8222, reaffirming his office's dedication to assisting consumers in need.