Office of The Attorney General
- Anne Milgram, Attorney General
Division of Consumer Affairs
- David Szuchman, Director

NEWARK - Complaints against photography studios led all consumer complaint categories in New Jersey last year, as the Division of Consumer Affairs today released statistics on complaints filed by consumers.

The Top 10 consumer complaint categories in New Jersey last year are:

1. Photography studios
2. Debt Collection
3. Home Improvement Repairs
4. Health Clubs
5. Used Motor Vehicles
6. Telecommunications
7. Internet Sales/Goods
8. Telemarketing/Phone Solicitation
9. Home Furnishings/Furniture
10. Banking/Financial Institutions

The closure of wedding photography company Celebration Studios in January, 2008 led to over 1,800 consumers filing complaints with the Division. The #2 category, debt collection, generated 729 consumer complaints.

“Whether it’s an issue unique to New Jersey, or complaints that mirror a national trend, the Division and its staff are ready to work on behalf of consumers,” said David Szuchman, Consumer Affairs Director. “It is critically important that consumers file a complaint when they believe they have been victimized in the marketplace.”

The National Association of Attorneys General today released its national list of Top 10 consumer complaints in 2008.

Consumers may file complaints with the Division online at www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/ocp/ocpform.htm or by calling 1-800-242-5846 (toll free within N.J.) or 973-504-6200.

To see the national Top 10 list issued today, go to www.naag.org

# # #