CONSUMER RECOVERIES HIT NEW RECORD/TOP $1.6 MILLION

(Pierre) - Attorney General Mark Barnett announced today that his Division of Consumer Protection recovered over $1.6 million for South Dakota consumers during 1999. The mark sets another all-time high for consumer recoveries.

"The staff in Consumer Protection are working very hard every day to help consumers," Barnett said. "The proof is $1.6 million in recoveries!"

The Division of Consumer Protection handled 2,191 complaints in 1999 and was able to obtain recoveries in 74% of all cases, resulting in total recoveries of $1,664,166.

Consumers with complaints, or questions and concerns about scams, are encouraged to contact the South Dakota Division of Consumer Protection at 1-800-300-1986.