Filing a Consumer Complaint in New York
How to report a business to the New York Attorney General or consumer agency, and your rights under the state's consumer protection law.
Short answer: The Attorney General's office accepts consumer complaints online by category, including retail and online purchases and services, internet and tech services, credit and personal finance, data privacy, price gouging during emergencies, vehicle lease or purchase disputes, and lemon law… N.Y. Attorney General, File a complaint: Consumer issues
| Filing a complaint | The Attorney General's office accepts consumer complaints online by category, including retail and online purchases and services, internet and tech services, credit and personal finance, data privacy, price gouging during emergencies, vehicle lease or purchase disputes, and lemon law claims. Consumers can check complaint status online or call the OAG Help Line at 1-800-771-7755 (deaf or hard of hearing: 1-800-788-9898). |
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| Unfair and deceptive practices law | New York General Business Law § 349 declares unlawful unfair, deceptive or abusive acts or practices in business, trade or commerce or in furnishing any service in the state. Consumers can sue: a person injured by a deceptive act or practice may seek an injunction and recover actual damages or $50, whichever is greater. If the court finds the business acted willfully or knowingly, it may increase damages up to three times actual damages, up to $1,000, and it may award reasonable attorney's fees to a winning plaintiff. The Attorney General can seek injunctions and restitution. Source: N.Y. Gen. Bus. Law § 349 |
Where to get help in New York
- Office of the New York State Attorney General, Bureau of Consumer Frauds and Protection
- File a complaint or claim
More New York consumer protection
- The Lemon Law in New York
- Your Right to Cancel a Purchase in New York
- Contractors and Repair Shops in New York
- All New York consumer protection rules
FAQ
How do you file a consumer complaint in New York?
The Attorney General's office accepts consumer complaints online by category, including retail and online purchases and services, internet and tech services, credit and personal finance, data privacy, price gouging during emergencies, vehicle lease or purchase disputes, and lemon law claims. Consumers can check complaint status online or call the OAG Help Line at 1-800-771-7755 (deaf or hard of hearing: 1-800-788-9898).
What is the consumer protection law in New York?
New York General Business Law § 349 declares unlawful unfair, deceptive or abusive acts or practices in business, trade or commerce or in furnishing any service in the state. Consumers can sue: a person injured by a deceptive act or practice may seek an injunction and recover actual damages or $50, whichever is greater. If the court finds the business acted willfully or knowingly, it may increase damages up to three times actual damages, up to $1,000, and it may award reasonable attorney's fees to a winning plaintiff. The Attorney General can seek injunctions and restitution.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.