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DENVER, Colo. (KKCO) - Goods and services, products and other such things have become an essential part of our lives and unfortunately, the subsequent consumer complaints have too.

In fact, according to the Colorado Attorney General’s office, Coloradans have lodged 17,941 complaints about products, services and scams. A 28% increase.

The first and biggest complaints come from retail sales, 1,676 complaints to be exact. These stem from issues ranging from unauthorized memberships and subscriptions to service and delivery problems and cancellation disputes.

The second highest is home services and repair, with 958 complaints. These are complaints over general contracting and remodeling, cooling, heating and handyperson services.

The next highest is professional service complaints, coming in at 919. These problems encompass product and service warranties, business support and legal-related services.

After that, the Attorney General’s office listed automobile sales and services with 826 complaints. The complaints cover auto purchases, service, repair and rentals.

Government agencies are also on the list. 734 complaints. These are legitimate non-scam complaints against government agencies administering, overseeing, and managing public programs.

Lending companies are also on the list, with 542 complaints. These involve issues under the uniform consumer credit code, things like interest rates, credit reporting, tribal lending and unlicensed activity.

Real estate sales and services follows next on the list with 535 complaints. This deals with complaints related to rental and leasing, property management, and estate-related activities.

One thing that’s been seen in the Grand Valley are imposter scams. That’s business impersonations with 523 complaints. This is when scammers try to impersonate a business, often seeking payment through gift cards, wire transfers, etc.

Debt collection is slowly rising on the list with 516 complaints. These are issues under the Colorado Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. They include harassment or abuse by a debt collector, disputed debt or unlicensed collection.

And finally, health care and medical services had 485 complaints. These concerns regard hospitals, urgent care, health and medical insurance carriers and health practitioners, focusing on quality of care, billing, and coverage issues.

Attorney General Phil Weiser emphasized that these complaints can lead to legal action against companies, potentially resulting in refunds for those who fell victim to scams or deceptive practices. The A.G.’s office said the surge in complaints underscores the need for increased vigilance and consumer awareness to combat fraudulent activities across various industries.

Coloradans are encouraged to report any scams, fraud, or attempts to exploit them to stop fraud in the state at www.stopfraudcolorado.gov