Top Ten Colorado Consumer Complaints of 2014

We're currently in the midst of National Consumer Protection Week, described as "a coordinated campaign that encourages consumers nationwide to take full advantage of their consumer rights and make better-informed decisions." To mark the occasion, the consumer protection section of the Colorado Attorney General's Office has released its annual list...

By Michael Roberts

March 6, 2015

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We're currently in the midst of National Consumer Protection Week, described as "a coordinated campaign that encourages consumers nationwide to take full advantage of their consumer rights and make better-informed decisions."

To mark the occasion, the consumer protection section of the Colorado Attorney General's Office has released its annual list of the top ten consumer complaints fielded by the office.

The total came to 9,568 complaints and inquiries — about a 10 percent increase over 2013.

And what companies, services and the like got Coloradans the most frustrated last year? Here's the AG office's photo-illustrated top ten, featuring the number of complaints in each category. Count it down below.

Number 10. Telephone (cell phones and equipment)
Complaints: 103

Number 9. Internet Shopping Services
Complaints: 107

Number 8. Real Estate Services
Complaints: 126

Number 7. Automobile Dealers, New and Used
Complaints: 148

Number 6. Payday Lenders
Complaints: 154

Number 5. Fraudulent or Unwanted Telephone Calls
Complaints: 295

Number 4. Utility Complaints (cable, telecom and satellite)
Complaints: 431

Number 3. Fraudulent or Unwanted/Spam E-mail
Complaints: 713

Number 2. Mortgage Lenders
Complaints: 556

Number 1. Debt Collection Companies
Complaints: 1371
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Michael Roberts began his career with Westword in 1990 as music editor. In 1999, he took on a new role, full-time media reporter, as author of a column called The Message. In 2008, he became the lead writer for Westword's news blog, The Latest Word, a position he held until January 2023. Michael continues to freelance for Westword, covering everything from business to sports and the media; he also contributes to Jazziz, a national music magazine. He holds a bachelor's degree from what is now Colorado Mesa University and master's degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles, and Northwestern University.

Contact: Michael Roberts

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