(Miami-Dade County, FL) — The Miami-Dade Consumer Services Department released its Top 20 complaint list for 2009, today. The yearly report comes as the department celebrates its third consecutive year hitting the million-dollar mark for recoveries. Through its free mediation services designed to settle disputes between consumers and businesses, the department obtained $1,168,447 in reimbursements for consumers in the form of currency, goods and/or services. In total, the Miami-Dade Consumer Services Department assisted in the resolution of 5,373 complaints for 2009.
Common consumer grievances were due to monetary losses or dissatisfaction with a product or service. Topping the list for 2009 was motor vehicle repair complaints for the third year in a row, with 745 complaints.
The most notable increases in complaints from the previous year consisted of mail order — up 293%, Internet — up 252% and medical issues — up 96%. Significant decreases in complaints were seen in furniture and cable-related issues.
Towing was the fourth most-cited problem. To deter would-be violators, the department headed 28 investigations into illegal towing activities and collaborated with several law enforcement agencies for special operations, netting 206 citations and $64,407 in fines. The department also conducted regular towing audits that resulted in $1,982 in consumer reimbursements and $9,400 in Assurance of Voluntary Compliance (AVC) agreements to correct mistakes. Some of the violations included towing without a license or decal; failing to provide manifests, which document the ownership of vehicles; and missing trip sheets, which record towers' daily activities. Some also failed to use safety chains or have proper vehicle markings identification, solicited at accident scenes or disabled vehicle sites, and overcharged consumers.
"The department works hard to enforce business regulations and stop marketplace fraud and deception where it occurs. However, it's also up to the consumer to stay informed of the law and their rights so that they can avoid running into trouble," said Miami-Dade Consumer Services Department Director Cathy Grimes Peel.
"Both consumers as well as businesses should know that we are here to help, provide information and advice. Contacting us is as simple as making a phone call or website visit."
Consumers who use the department's mediation services rely on in-house experts to navigate through difficult channels of communication to reach a satisfactory resolution with businesses. To register a complaint or receive general information on consumer issues, log on to the Consumer Services Department website atwww.miamidade.gov/csd or call (305) 375-3677. Remember, it is always a good idea to inquire about a company's service history prior to doing business with them.
Common consumer grievances were due to monetary losses or dissatisfaction with a product or service. Topping the list for 2009 was motor vehicle repair complaints for the third year in a row, with 745 complaints.
The most notable increases in complaints from the previous year consisted of mail order — up 293%, Internet — up 252% and medical issues — up 96%. Significant decreases in complaints were seen in furniture and cable-related issues.
Towing was the fourth most-cited problem. To deter would-be violators, the department headed 28 investigations into illegal towing activities and collaborated with several law enforcement agencies for special operations, netting 206 citations and $64,407 in fines. The department also conducted regular towing audits that resulted in $1,982 in consumer reimbursements and $9,400 in Assurance of Voluntary Compliance (AVC) agreements to correct mistakes. Some of the violations included towing without a license or decal; failing to provide manifests, which document the ownership of vehicles; and missing trip sheets, which record towers' daily activities. Some also failed to use safety chains or have proper vehicle markings identification, solicited at accident scenes or disabled vehicle sites, and overcharged consumers.
Rank | Category | Number of Complaints | % Increase (Decrease) |
1 | Motor Vehicle Repair | 745 | 5% |
2 | For-Hire Transportation | 710 | 25% |
3 | Mail Order | 381 | 293% |
4 | Towing | 204 | -4% |
5 | Housing - Service | 190 | -12% |
6 | Credit | 188 | 3% |
7 | Automotive Sales | 188 | 21% |
8 | Cable | 169 | -18% |
9 | Internet | 148 | 252% |
10 | Electronics Sales | 132 | -4% |
11 | Retail stores (excluding appliance, pet and furniture) | 130 | 57% |
12 | Landlord / Tenant | 129 | 42% |
13 | Utilities | 119 | 11% |
14 | Medical | 110 | 96% |
15 | Electronics Service | 110 | 13% |
16 | Cell Phones | 107 | -12% |
17 | Furniture | 93 | -23% |
18 | Transportation | 90 | -10% |
19 | Travel Related & Tours | 67 | -15% |
20 | Gas Stations | 46 | 7% |
"Both consumers as well as businesses should know that we are here to help, provide information and advice. Contacting us is as simple as making a phone call or website visit."
Consumers who use the department's mediation services rely on in-house experts to navigate through difficult channels of communication to reach a satisfactory resolution with businesses. To register a complaint or receive general information on consumer issues, log on to the Consumer Services Department website atwww.miamidade.gov/csd or call (305) 375-3677. Remember, it is always a good idea to inquire about a company's service history prior to doing business with them.
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