NCJ Number
78743
Date Published
1981
Length
97 pages
Annotation
This annual report includes statistical information on consumer fraud in Iowa during 1980, as well as a detailed commentary on the various types of consumer fraud encountered by the Iowa Department of Justice, Consumer Protection Division.
Abstract
The division received 12,039 complaints, an increase from 9,303 recorded in 1979. About 45.5 percent of the complaints closed by the division involved some cash restitution or monetary savings for Iowans involved. The total amount of monies saved or recovered by the division in 1980 was $1,015,263.56. The top 10 complaint categories were advertising, magazine sales and service, mail order, travel and transportation, health spas and weight salons, consumer credit code, automobiles, business opportunities, appliances, and food products. The report presents data and analysis of various consumer concerns, including energy saving devices, fundraising and solicitation schemes, loan finders, lotteries and chain letters, litigation, pending lawsuits, and a volunteer project. In addition, work was begun in 1980 toward the implementation of rules and regulations to further effect the provisions of the Iowa Consumer Credit Code. Tables are provided.