ATTORNEY GENERAL ANNOUNCES RECORD CONSUMER RECOVERIES

(Pierre) – Attorney General Larry Long announced today the Division of Consumer Protection recovered over $6.5 million for consumers during fiscal year 2003. There was also an additional $1 million in court ordered restitution in a consumer related case. This is a significant increase over the $2.5 million reported in fiscal year 2002. 

“The Consumer Protection Division is working diligently to recoup money for consumers and the numbers reflect the hard work,” said Long. “This office provides a valuable service with a great recovery rate and I encourage you to contact us when you have a complaint or inquiry.” 

The Division handled 2261 complaints from July 1, 2002 to June 30, 2003. General billing complaints topped the list followed by complaints regarding credit cards, computer companies, mail order, general retail and telemarketing fraud. The money recovered is a result of mediation or litigation of consumer complaints, investigations and multi-state settlements.

Consumers with complaints or questions about scams are encouraged to contact the South Dakota Division of Consumer Protection at http://atg.sd.gov/Consumers.aspx or 1-800-300-1986.

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