PANDEMIC COMPLICATIONS PLAGUE CONSUMERS.

Pandemic-related problems were among the most-frequent complaints made to state and local consumer agencies, according to a survey by Consumer Federation of America, Washington, D.C. They also topped the lists of worst, fastest-growing, and new complaints.

"COVID-19 generated complaints about everything from appliance repairs to childcare, trash pick-up to towing," says Susan Grant, CFA's director of Consumer Protection and Privacy. "Business closings, job layoffs, supply chain disruptions, social-distancing requirements, and travel restrictions put huge strains on consumers and businesses."

State and local consumer agencies also are dealing with a deluge of complaints concerning price-gouging and pandemic-related scams.

The most-common consumer complaints involved:

* Pandemic. Price gouging; refunds for canceled events and travel; financial issues; problems getting repairs and other services; "self-help" evictions and scams.

* Auto. Misrepresentations in advertising or sales of new and used cars; deceptive financing practices; defective vehicles; faulty repairs; car leasing and rentals; towing disputes.

* Home improvement/construction. Shoddy work; failure to start or complete the job; failure to have required licensing or registration.

* LandlordAenant. Unhealthy or unsafe conditions; failure to make repairs or provide promised amenities; deposit and rent disputes; illegal eviction tactics.

* Credit/debt. Billing and fee disputes; mortgage problems; credit repair and debt relief services...