CFA conducts an annual survey of city, county and state consumer agencies across the country to ask about the complaints they received in the previous year. Thirty-five agencies from across the country participated in this year’s survey, which provides a snapshot of the most common, fastest-growing, worst, and newest problems consumers reported in 2018. These agencies handle complaints from consumers on a wide range of topics, from auto sales to travel companies. Some also accept complaints from businesses. Unlike most federal agencies, state and local consumer agencies usually mediate complaints informally. Many also have the power to enforce the law through administrative procedures, civil action and/or criminal prosecution.

2018 Top Consumer Complaints Report