Attorney General Miyares Releases Top 10 Consumer Complaints in Virginia

Virginia’s Attorney General Jason Miyares has unveiled the top consumer complaints received by his office in 2024, shedding light on the most common issues facing residents. The announcement comes as part of National Consumer Protection Week, a time to raise awareness about consumer rights and fraud prevention.

Over the past year, the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Section processed 6,836 complaints, covering a range of issues from automotive sales to landlord-tenant disputes. The top complaint? Automotive sales, a category that includes disputes over misleading advertisements, financing issues, and warranty problems.

Internet sales and service followed closely behind, as more consumers reported problems with online purchases, hidden fees, or misleading subscription services. Complaints related to credit, loans, and debt collection took the third spot, highlighting ongoing concerns about aggressive collection practices and unclear loan terms.

Other significant issues included warranties and rebates, home improvement services, timeshares, and medical or health professions. Towing disputes also made the list, reflecting continued frustration over predatory towing practices in Virginia.

Consumer Protection Resources Available

Beyond tracking complaints, the Attorney General’s Office provides resources to help Virginians resolve disputes. Last year, the Consumer Protection Section handled nearly 20,000 consumer assistance calls, offering guidance to individuals facing scams or fraudulent business practices.

Additionally, the Dispute Resolution Unit worked on 3,754 complaints, helping consumers recover a total of $134,385. This unit serves as a neutral party to facilitate discussions between businesses and consumers, aiming for fair resolutions.

“Virginia consumers should feel confident knowing they have a place to turn if they’ve been treated unfairly,” said Attorney General Miyares. “My office is committed to ensuring businesses play by the rules and that consumers have the tools they need to protect themselves.”

To help consumers stay informed, the Attorney General’s office maintains a Consumer Complaint Database, where Virginians can check a company’s complaint history, track case resolutions, and search by business name, industry, or region.

How Virginians Can Report Issues

If a Virginia resident has a consumer complaint or needs assistance, they can contact the Consumer Protection Section through multiple channels:

📞 Phone: (800) 552-9963
📧 Email: consumer@oag.state.va.us
🖥 Online Complaint Form & Contact Form

By staying informed and vigilant, consumers can better protect themselves from scams and fraudulent business practices. As complaints continue to evolve with technology and industry trends, the Attorney General’s Office remains dedicated to safeguarding Virginians and holding businesses accountable.