Timeshares top BBB's 2012 complaint list

The Better Business Bureau of Southwest Missouri received more than 370,000 inquiries and nearly 3,000 complaints last year.

The complaints focused largely on refund practices, customer service and repair issues, according to a news release.

The BBB's top 10 processed complaints focused on:

1. Timeshare companies
2. Travel clubs
3. Used vehicle dealers
4. Auto parts and supplies
5. New vehicle dealers
6. Vacation certificates and vouchers
7. Auto repair and service
8. Television services such as cable and satellite
9. Telephone companies
10. Long-distance telephone service

According to the release, the top 10 inquiries involved:

1. Travel agencies and bureaus
2. Auto repair and service
3. Timeshare companies
4. Used vehicle dealers
5. Dog breeders
6. Travel clubs
7. Heating and air conditioning
8. Air conditioning contractors and systems
9. General contractors
10. Roofing contractors

BBB of Southwest Missouri President and CEO Judy Mills said the amount of inquiries was encouraging.

“When consumers take a proactive stance and check out companies, the likelihood of having to file a complaint is diminished," Mills said in the release. “Each year we continue to see more inquiries, and complaints remain close to the same."