Consumers should shop from sites known to them and exercise caution with unfamiliar sites or those that host items for third-party sellers. City of New York. The New York State Division of Consumer Protection (DCP) reminds New Yorkers of their rights as they plan spring and summer travel. Get consumer protection tips for immigrants in 11 languages. Review your bills carefully. in goods and services from faulty or fraudulent auto dealers and repair shops. Anyone found to be involved with forged vaccine cards will be charged and face the legal consequences.. Check on automatic contract renewals. Examine all charges and ensure they are for services you requested and are receiving. Do not send originals. The consumer contacted the retailer who directed her to the manufacturer. All Rights Reserved. Consumer Protection Complaint Form Consumer Assistance Hotline (518) 474-8583 (800) 697-1220 Instructions It is important that you attempt to resolve your complaint with the company before filing with the Division of Consumer Protection (DCP). Governor Hochul announced the New York State Division of Consumer Protection assisted 21,855 New Yorkers with a variety of consumer protection matters in 2021, resulting in a record $2,918,025 being returned to consumers' wallets. Request and check references from the contractor. For example, a consumer in Nassau County purchased a new range from an appliance store. For instance, a consumer reported receiving counterfeit CDC vaccination cards in a vaccine cardholder ordered online. For more consumer protection information, call the DCP Helpline at 800-697-1220, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., or visit www.dos.ny.gov/consumer-protection. In NYS, ticket sellers are required to refund the cost of the ticket if the event is cancelled. The New York City Consumer Protection Law forbids all "deceptive or unconscionable trade practices in the sale, lease, rental, or loan, or in the offering for sale, lease, rental, or loan of any consumer goods and services, or in the collection of consumer debts." Under the Consumer Protection Law (commonly referred to as CPL), the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection has authority to . Be careful when shopping through social media. Note: You will be redirected to a new web page. Safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines are available to all New Yorkers age six months and older. Consumer Complaint Form | NYS Department of State - Government of New York Yes No The Division of Consumer Protection is committed to assisting, protecting, educating and empowering New York consumers. Consumer Protection - Suffolk County, New York The company sent a service technician to the consumers home four times in effort to repair the microwave, but the problem was never fixed. The COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective, and I encourage all unvaccinated New Yorkers to get vaccinated. The Division of Consumer Protection engages in voluntary mediation to resolve consumers marketplace complaints; offers mitigation assistance for victims of identity theft; conducts consumer education campaigns; represents consumers at utility rate and policy proceedings before State and Federal regulators to advance cost effective and quality electric, gas, water, telephone and cable service; enforces the States Do Not Call Law; works to ensure compliance with Federal and State product safety regulations; and serves to advise the Governor on matters of New York consumer protection policy import. DCWP Settles With Con Ed for Denying Workers Paid Safe and Sick Leave. Save all receipts for purchases to allow for ease of returns. Consumers considering free offers should keep the following tips from the Federal Trade Commission in mind: If it is believed a company is not following the new law when offering recurring services or free gifts, consumers should file a complaint with the Division of Consumer Protection. "I'm proud that New York State has helped tens of thousands of consumers recover nearly $3 million of their hard-earned money. The consumer filed a claim with her credit card company, submitted the required supporting documentation, and then repeatedly contacted them over the next four months for an update. DCWP enforces the City's Consumer Protection Law and uses mediation to help you resolve complaints against a business. The bureau enforces New York's antitrust laws (Donnelly Act) and also has the authority to sue for violations of federal antitrust laws (Sherman and Clayton Acts). Before making an expensive purchase, ask the store to provide information on any conditions or costs, such as restocking fees, relating to the return of merchandise. Con Ed must pay $202,000 in restitution to 480 part-time entry-level workers who did not have access to paid safe and sick leave between June 1, 2018 and June 18, 2021. If you live in New York City, Westchester, Nassau, Suffolk, Orange, Putnam or Rockland Counties, check your local consumer affairs office. The Department of Financial Services supervises many different types of institutions. "My administration has worked diligently to return millions of dollars to consumers that fraudulent businesses stole out of the pockets of hard-working New Yorkers," Governor Hochul said. Consumer Alert: New York State Division of Consumer Protection and About the New York State Division of Consumer Protection. Keep track of your packages. Shop on trusted sites or in trusted stores to avoid fraud. Advisory Council Membership Alexandria Chun Review your bills carefully. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has received several complaints from people reporting cases of possible fraud related to COVID-19 vaccination. The Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP)formerly the Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA)Office of Labor Policy & Standards (OLPS) is NYC's central resource for workers. New York State Department of Financial Services, Cybersecurity Requirements for Financial Services Companies (23 NYCRR 500) . General Business Law 518: Ny Law Related to Credit and Debit Card Want to learn how to avoid scams? The order included blank cards that anyone could forge to mimic authentic CDC vaccination cards. Reports June 7, 2023 CONSUMER ALERT: Attorney General James Urges New Yorkers to be Vigilant of Price Gouging as New York's Air Quality Worsens Due to Canadian Fires May 23, 2023 Attorney General James Sues Telecommunications Company Over Illegal Robocalls May 22, 2023 print a copy of the completed Consumer Complaint Form for your records. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission updates consumers regularly. Home Improvement: Complaints related to home improvement, repair services and contractors. This page is available in other languages. During National Consumer Protection Week, we are making sure all New Yorkers have the resources they need to protect themselves from fraud and make smart financial decisions. When shopping for children, check that products are age-appropriate for their safetymanufacturers are required to provide this information on the packaging. PDF New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection Notice of I thank Governor Hochul for her ongoing efforts to protect and empower the over 19 million consumers who call New York State home., New York consumers have faced unprecedented issues during the past few years from price gouging and price hikes to fraud and identity theft. In 2021, nearly $3 million was recovered for 21,855 New Yorkers with consumer complaints; the top five areas for complaints relate to errors in delivery, insufficient refunds, defective products, online scams, and COVID cancellations. 1. NYS Department of State Division of Consumer Protection Phone: 716-773-7676 You must provide a receipt or other confirmation provided by the vendor that shows that 30 days has not elapsed from the date of purchase, and the merchandise must not have been used or damaged. Governor Kathy Hochul announced today the New York State Division of Consumer Protection assisted 21,855 New Yorkers with a variety of consumer protection matters in 2021, resulting in a record $2,918,025 being returned to consumers wallets. Read the DCWP Website Accessibility Statement. The New York State Division of Consumer Protection, a division of the Department of State, works to educate New Yorkers about consumer protection issues and recover money from common unfair and deceptive practices. You will be routed to the appropriate Agency. Home Improvement Contractor License Application Checklist - DCA - NYC.gov For more consumer protection tips, follow the Division on social media at Twitter:@NYSConsumerand Facebook:www.facebook.com/nysconsumer. DCWP Launches Domestic Worker Mediation Program. Resources to help reduce risk of identity theft and to assist victims in addressing the consequences of this crime. All events are free to join and can be found at https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/features/national-consumer-protection-week. Check License Status NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP)formerly the Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA)licenses more than 51,000 businesses in more than 40 different industries. Use our Check a DCA License service to see if an individual or business holds a DCWP license. DCWP and Council Member Velzquez Celebrated National Small Business Month by Kicking Off a Series of Business Education Days. Home Improvement Contractors can review the licensing law and download, utilize the fillable form and print the home improvement contractor application in English or Spanish. Automatic renewal programs (subscription or purchasing agreements that are automatically renewed each term) or continuous service plans (subscription or purchasing agreements that continue until the consumer calls to cancel) must clearly state the cancellation terms to consumers before entering into the agreement. Read press release. "With tips and tools available to stay safe in this fast-changing economy, we will continue to protect consumers, ensure New Yorkers are informed of their rights, and hold dishonest businesses accountable. Mental Health. Home Improvement Contractors - Westchestergov.com As Chair of the New York State Assembly Committee on Consumer Affairs and Protection Im hard at work fighting for our consumers and ensuring they have the protections and assistance necessary..