Albert B
Pennsylvania,#2Consumer Comment
Thu, January 13, 2011
The division says work at home programs, internet offers, and start-up business opportunities topped their list of complaints. Executive Director of the Utah Department of Commerce Francine Giani says the hard economic times make people more desperate to find a way to make money.
"Crooks are always looking for a way to get in our doors, or even better in our pockets. Just because we're suffering from a downturn in the economy doesn't mean they're going to be nice to everyone."Reports show the scams hit every demographic group, but seniors were hit especially hard. Giani says the division was able to recover $2.4 million from businesses and individuals who has conned the money away from the consumers."We'll step up our efforts, especially at this time when people are hurting, to prevent them from hurting more. "Giani says consumers could save a lot of money and heartache if they would take the time to call the Division of Consumer Protection if they think they are dealing with a scam.