Consumer fraud complaints increased 46 percent from 2007 to 2008 in Hawaii according to Hawaii’s Better Business Bureau® (BBB). This statistic is included in the
Consumer Sentinel Data Book recently released by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
In 2008, Hawaii consumers made 3,689 fraud complaints and ranked 14 for such complaints nationwide. Dwight Kealoha, chief executive officer of Hawaii’s BBB, credits much of the increase in complaints to greater awareness by consumers on how to recognize and report fraudulent activities.
Complaints throughout the state include those for third party and creditor debt collection, Internet services, shop-at-home and catalog sales, and foreign money offers and counterfeit check scams.
Nationwide, the FTC logged more than 1.2 million complaints between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, 2008, up from just over 1 million in 2007.
Other findings from the FTC report include:
- For the ninth year in a row, identity theft was the number one consumer complaint category, accounting for 26 percent of complaints received.
- Consumers reported fraud losses totaling more than $1.8 billion; the median monetary loss was $440. The average loss amount reported from Hawaii was $3,245.
- Credit cards, wire transfers and bank account debits were the top three methods of payment in which consumers lost money.
“Hawaii’s BBB offers tips and resources to help consumers avoid being scammed and works closely with the FTC to investigate reports of fraud in the state,” added Kealoha. “If you’ve been a victim of fraud or come across a suspicious offer, contacting Hawaii’s BBB may help others avoid the scam or even put a stop to it.”
For consumer information or to file a complaint, visit
hawaii.bbb.org.