More consumers complaining about credit, AGs report shows

In a sign of the economic times, credit cards and predatory lending/mortgages cracked the national top 10 list of consumer complaints to state attorneys general offices last year, the National Association of Attorney General announced today. The top three categories: debt collection, auto sales, and home repair/construction remained unchanged from 2007.

Nationwide Top 10 Consumer Complaint List

1. Debt Collection
2. Auto Sales
3. Home Repair/Construction
4. Credit Cards (tie)
5. Internet Goods and Services (tie)
6. Predatory Lending/Mortgages
7. Telemarketing/Do-Not-Call
8. Auto Repair
9. Auto Warranties (tie)
10. Telecom/Slamming/Cramming (tie)

 Here in Washington, telecommunications maintained its stronghold as the industry to generate the most criticism, with complaints about retail sales, collections and auto sales trailing in 2008. Click here for Washington's Top 20 Consumer Complaint List.

Staff reached out to businesses last year, starting a dialog with debt collectors and holding meetings with auto dealer associations in an effort to reduce complaints and strengthen compliance with consumer protection laws.