PORTLAND — A perennial target of consumer irritation and frustration in Oregon, phone companies and banks remained at the top of the complaint list to the state attorney general’s office last year.

In 2008, telecommunications companies — including cell phone providers — barely edged out banks, mortgage brokers and credit unions.

International scams, including variations on the notorious but durable Nigerian money transfer scheme, were ranked No. 3 on the list — costing 132 Oregonians about $1.2 million last year.

Attorney General John Kroger said the list is always a concern but especially during a recession.

“In hard economic times, it is more important than ever to protect Oregon’s consumers,” Kroger said. “The huge volume of complaints from Oregonians shows that we have a lot of work to do.”