You can file a complaint about fraud or deceptive practices by retail stores in New York City.
Complaints include:
- False advertising
- Overcharging
- Refusing an exchange, return, or refund
- Selling damaged or defective goods
- Failing to deliver goods or services
- Failing to post prices or provide a complete receipt
- Providing an illegal receipt
- Failing to post credit card limitations
- Failing to provide layaway terms or ID requirements
- Selling prohibited items, such as box cutters, etching acid, tobacco products, or laser pointers to minors
- Selling toy (fake) guns that are not brightly colored
You need a receipt or a copy of any misleading or deceptive advertisement to file a complaint.
If a business has any kind of restriction on the use of a credit card, such as requiring a minimum purchase amount to use one, the store must clearly post the policy near the register and the front entrance, as well as in any ads that say the business accepts credit cards.
The Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) does not take complaints about bed bugs.
What Happens Next
To receive follow up on your request, you must provide your address. The Agency will mail you a complaint form, which you must complete and return. If you also provide an email address with your Service Request, you will receive the form by email instead. Be sure to check your spam folder in addition to your inbox.
The Agency will consider your complaint a tip if you do not provide your address.
