TDCI’s Consumer Affairs Releases Top 10 Consumer Complaints

NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance (TDCI) today announces the annual “Top Ten” categories of consumer complaints. The utilities category ranked as the No. 1 complaint category with more than 480 consumer complaints. 

TDCI’s Top Ten complaint categories were compiled from 5,099 total complaints fielded by the Consumer Affairs Division during calendar year 2014. The Division investigated and ultimately closed 4,961 of those cases. Overall, the number of consumer complaints dipped slightly in 2014 compared to 2013 when 5,382 complaints were reviewed by Consumer Affairs.

“The Division of Consumer Affairs protects Tennesseans by quickly investigating complaints and taking action where necessary in order to create a level playing field for consumers and businesses,” said TDCI Commissioner Julie Mix McPeak. “We encourage consumers to educate themselves and become better informed before they buy. When consumers are dissatisfied with businesses and can find no other solution for their problem, they should file a complaint with Consumer Affairs.”

When it comes to utilities, most customer complaints focused on Tennesseans’ dissatisfaction with nationally known phone, cable and Internet service providers’ prices, billing practices and services.

The 2014 Top Ten consumer complaint categories are as follows:

Utilities: 487

Debtor/Creditor: 365

Landlord/Tenant: 334

Insurance: 319

Health Services & Products: 315

Timeshares: 302

Home Improvement: 290

Used Car Sales: 247

Gas Gouging: 239

Professional Services: 229

Most problems with businesses can be resolved by meeting with a store manager, its owner or contacting a company’s corporate headquarters. If those steps still do not produce a satisfactory solution, complaints may be filed with TDCI’s Consumer Affairs. Our website provides more details about the complaint process and how to file a complaint.