FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, March 2, 2020

PIERRE, S.D. - In observance of National Consumer Protection week, March 1-7, 2020, Attorney General Jason Ravnsborg is releasing the Attorney General’s Division of Consumer Protection’s Top Ten Consumer Complaints received by the office in calendar year 2019. 

1. Retail Sales

2. Landlord/Tenant

3. Credit Reporting

4. Auto

5. Health Fraud

6. Travel

7. Home Repair

8. Internet Goods

9. Telemarketing DNC

10. Predatory Lending

“Our Consumer Protection Division is working incredibly hard every day to address issues plaguing consumers and businesses relating to consumer issues,” said Ravnsborg.  “The Division works hard to educate South Dakotans on how to detect fraud and what their next steps are.  Recognition and notification are the first steps to prevention.”

”Whether you are looking for ways to protect yourself from fraud, identity theft, and scams or looking for the best way to use credit, I encourage you to visit the Division’s website at www.consumer.sd.gov ,” continued the Attorney General.

For anyone that does not have easy access to a computer, or if a hard copy of consumer information is preferable, the Division would be happy to send a copy of the new Consumer Protection Handbook to you free of charge. You can obtain a copy of the handbook by either emailing consumerhelp@state.sd.us or by calling 1-800-300-1986.  

The Division Of Consumer Protection is also available for presentations to organizations or groups upon request.  If interested please contact them at 1-800-300-1986 or consumerhelp@state.sd.us

The Office of the South Dakota Attorney General and the Division of Consumer Protection are committed to helping all South Dakotans avoid falling victim to scams and this is a good week to remind consumers to stay vigilant when it comes to protecting themselves.  

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The Office of the Attorney General is the chief legal office for the State of South Dakota and provides legal advice to agencies, boards, and commissions of the State as well as representing the State in state and federal court.  The Office of Attorney General also handles prosecutions, felony criminal appeals, civil matters, consumer protection issues, and issues formal opinions interpreting statutes for agencies of the state.  Visit www.atg.sd.gov to learn more.

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CONTACT: Tim Bormann, Chief of Staff, Tim.Bormann@state.sd.us, (605) 773-3215