New York Attorney General Letitia James released the top 10 consumer complaints that the Office of the Attorney General received in 2025.
The list was released to mark the start of National Consumer Protection Week, which runs from March 1 through March 7, to bring awareness to frauds, scams, and consumer rights, according to the Federal Trade Commission.
According to the OAG, the top complaints in 2025 revolved around the high prices of essential goods and services, housing issues, bank fraud and privacy violations online. To combat these concerns, James also released tips for New Yorkers to follow to protect themselves from common scams.
“New Yorkers are already feeling the squeeze of higher prices, and scams, hidden fees, and deceptive practices can make daily life even harder to afford,” James said in the press release. “My office will not tolerate companies that take advantage of New Yorkers, and I am committed to enforcing the law and returning money to consumers who are cheated. I urge everyone to stay alert and report suspected scams and fraud to my office so we can continue protecting New Yorkers’ wallets.”
Here’s what to know about the top 10 consumer complaints in 2025 and how to avoid scams.
New York’s top 10 consumer complaint categories in 2025
New Yorkers who have fallen victim to scams or fraudulent practices are urged to file a consumer complaint online or call 1-800-771-7755. Here are the tips provided by Attorney General James to help New Yorkers avoid scams:
How to avoid retail scams in person and online
According to the OAG, some companies have been using a tactic called algorithmic pricing, or surveillance pricing, which uses customers’ personal data to set individualized prices. New York’s Algorithmic Pricing Disclosure Act requires companies using algorithmic pricing to clearly disclose the method, but in the case that they dont, James urges New Yorkers to:
Price gouging, or businesses taking advantage of customers by increasing the price of essential goods or services, especially during emergencies, is illegal in New York State. When reporting price gouging, the OAG said to:
How to avoid scams or issues involving landlords or tenants
Security deposits and rent were two of the main issues brought up in New Yorkers’ complaints during 2025. For security deposits, the OAG’s tips included:
OAG’s tips on rent:
How to avoid automobile fraud
Utilities, internet, and residential phone service tips
Avoiding internet fraud
To ensure your kids are safe online, the OAG encourages parents to:
How to avoid credit and banking fraud
Immigration service provider fraud and immigration scams
Scammers can pose as immigration service providers and falsely promise citizenship or residency. According to the OAG, New York’s Immigrant Assistance Service Enforcement Act can protect immigrants from fraud by requiring immigration service providers to operate under certain rules. The OAG’s tips to avoid immigration scams include:
How to avoid home improvement scams
Know your rights around air travel
For a full list of resources New Yorkers can use for any of these complaints, visit ag.ny.gov.
— Madison Scott is a journalist with the Democrat and Chronicle who covers breaking and trending news for the Finger Lakes Region. She has an interest in how the system helps or doesn’t help families with missing loved ones. She can be reached at MDScott@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: NY’s top 10 consumer complaints revealed. Are you at risk?
Reporting by Madison Scott, New York Connect Team / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
