What tops the consumer complaints list?

TAMPA, Fla. - Car dealings and problems related to debt relief top the list of consumer complaints for 2009. Here is a list of the top five consumer headaches and where to turn for help.

Retail sales rounds out the top 5 consumer woes reported last year. Complaints included false advertising and deceptive practices, defective merchandise and problems with rebates.

• For any of these issues you can file your case with the Better Business Bureau for mediation.  If the BBB sees a serious pattern with one particular retailer they will report it to state or federal authorities.

Utilities came in at number 4.  Service problems or billing disputes with phone, cable, satellite, internet and electric services made up the majority of reports.

• If the issue is in regards to your home phone, water or power bill you can contact the Public Service Commission .
• If you are dealing with a cable TV, internet or other issue contact the Division of Consumer Services for mediation.

Third on the list was home improvements and construction trouble.

• You can report contractor trouble and unlicensed contractors to your city or county's contractor licensing office.
• Statewide, the Department of Business and Professional Regulation handles complaints and investigations.

Credit and debt issues including billing and fee disputes, mortgage related fraud and debt relief services came in as consumer’s second biggest headache.

• Locally you can contact Consumer Credit Counseling Services for assistance with credit card debt issues.
• Nationally you can report debt relief rip-offs and home equity schemes to the Federal Trade Commission .

The number one consumer complaint was misrepresentations in auto advertising and faulty repairs.

• The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services regulates auto repair shops and mediates consumer complaints.

On the local level, both Pinellas and Hillsborough counties operate consumer protection offices that investigate civil and contractual cases.

• You can get into contact with Pinellas County Consumer Protection  at 727-464-6200.
• Hillsborough County Consumer Protection can be reached at 813-903-3430.