From Sleazy Contractors To Bedbugs: Homeowner Scams On The Rise - Spokane, North Idaho News & Weather KHQ.com

From Sleazy Contractors To Bedbugs: Homeowner Scams On The Rise

Posted: Updated:

MSNBC.COM - Homeowners beware. The Consumer Federation of America has released its 2011 Consumer Complaint Survey Report, and one of the top five fastest growing consumer complaints is home improvement scams, which remains No. 3 on the top 10 list after automobile and debt-related scams. Other real estate problems (timeshares, retirement communities) are new to the top 10 list this year.

Think you're too smart to be a victim? The report includes eye-opening anecdotes of scams from among the 38 state, county and city agencies in 22 states that contributed to the report, with tips on how to avoid being scammed.

They recovered more than $147 million on behalf of wronged consumers last year alone. So if you have a problem, don't be shy about calling one of the consumer protection agencies listed on the Federal Citizen Information Center's Consumer Action website. click here to read more