Residence enchancment scams high Tennessee’s 2021 listing of shopper complaints

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — The Shopper Affairs Division of the Tennessee Lawyer Normal’s Workplace says residence enchancment scams topped the listing of complaints made to the state in 2021.

Widespread complaints included incomplete work after receiving fee.

For instance, Jim Lance shared with WATE how he paid for a number of enhancements to be made on his lakeside residence in Jefferson County, however the work was by no means accomplished by the unique residence enchancment contractor employed.

“This was presupposed to be our perpetually residence,” Lance stated in December. “We had completed in depth analysis. Made a number of journeys to the realm.”

In Grainger County, rats in John Kehn and Trista Vidales’ rental residence created a well being hazard final March.

“Rats. There are lifeless rats in every single place,” Kehn stated. “Right here is one proper right here. You may come over right here, that is plastic, up there. You may see the feces; all of the rat poop. This may have fallen down if I had not put plastic right here.

“They’re residing in our partitions, in our basement. They’re tearing the insulation out of my partitions,” Vidales stated.

In 2021, the Tennessee Division of Shopper Affairs obtained 5,561 complaints – a 37% enhance – in comparison with 2020 when 4,053 complaints have been reviewed. The highest grievance class included residence enhancements, residence repairs, and residential guarantee points with 787 complaints being filed.

The highest three classes noticed the best year-over-year will increase with residence enchancment scams growing by 58%, landlord/tenant complaints growing by 61%, and well being providers and product complaints growing by 63%.

At No. 4 on the listing is private {and professional} providers together with hairstylists, therapeutic massage therapists and photographers. The state says widespread complaints included the standard of service, expenses for providers not obtained, and issues redeeming reward certificates.

Rounding out the highest 5 was used automobile gross sales and promoting which included points with refunds and returns. Many complaints have been about points with refunds and returns. As well as, for the primary time, imposter scams cracked the highest ten Shopper Affairs listing of complaints.

Complaints could be made to the state on-line at tn.gov/attorneygeneral.