BBB releases annual “Naughty List” of business industries with the most complaints.

Is your cell phone company naughty or nice? Chances are they’re on the naughty list this year, at least according to the Better Business Bureau. Cell carriers and service providers had more complaints than any other business industry in 2016 for the BBB’s Northwest Region.

The BBB puts together a list every year of industries that see the most complaints. In our region, the BBB saw a total of 17,184 complaints from January 1, – December 13 of 2016. That includes both resolved and unresolved complaints. The top industries with the highest number of regional complaints are as follows:

Cellular Telephone Service & Supplies – 6,967 Internet Selling Services – 3,877 Travel Agencies & Bureaus – 1,475 Computer Software Publishers & Developers – 1,430 Collection Agencies – 890 Auto Dealers, New Cars – 874 Auto Dealers, Used Cars – 628 Property Management – 500 Skin Care – 337 Animal Hospitals – 305

Samantha Gillihan with the BBB says the above list isn’t necessarily to tell people to avoid these businesses, but to help people be aware.

“Cell phones are not something people are going to go without,” said Gillihan, referring to the top ranked industry on the list. “For consumers this list is to tell them ‘what should I be looking for and what should I be checking into.'”

Gillihan said the BBB’s website allows people to see what kind of complaints are out there, and how companies handle them. “The number one thing is making sure you as a consumer do your research,” said Gillihan. “As questions come to you, ask the associate, or ask an online associate. Any company that wants satisfied customers doesn’t mind a ton of questions.”

A link to the BBB’s website can be found HERE.