During National Consumer Protection Week, New York’s state agencies announced their efforts in aiding over 51,000 New Yorkers with complaints throughout 2023, underlining a proactive stance against consumer grievances. The collaboration between the Office of Consumer Services at the New York State Department of Public Service and the New York Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection culminated in nearly $9.7 million being returned to consumers, showcasing the state’s commitment to safeguarding consumer rights.
The Public Service Commission led nearly 25,000 investigations, securing close to $7 million in consumer refunds, while the Division of Consumer Protection resolved over 26,000 complaints, reimbursing nearly $2.7 million. This effort reflects a broader initiative to clamp down on fraudulent practices and support New York residents against unfair business conduct.
Governor Kathy Hochul praised these efforts, emphasizing the administration’s dedication to returning hard-earned money to New Yorkers and maintaining a vigilant stance against dishonest business operations. This announcement coincides with various measures taken by state agencies to enhance consumer protection, including detailed oversight of utility companies, heightened consumer education, and strategic investigations into significant billing system mismanagements.
Particularly noteworthy is the PSC’s undertaking of extensive investigations into the billing practices of major utility companies, prompted by an alarming spike in consumer complaints. This led to the adoption of a $200 million energy bill credit, aimed at mitigating the financial strain on over seven million utility customers in New York.
These concerted efforts underline New York’s leadership in consumer protection, combining rigorous enforcement with extensive consumer education programs. The state’s initiatives serve not only to rectify grievances but also to prevent future injustices, ensuring a fair and just marketplace for all New Yorkers.
The New York State Division of Consumer Protection’s mission is to assist, protect, educate, and represent consumers in an ever-changing economy. The Division of Consumer Protection works hard to assist individuals aggrieved in the marketplace through its complaint mediation efforts, along with educating the public on marketplace scams, and advocating consumers’ interest before legislative and regulatory bodies.
Top Five Categories of Consumer Complaints the Division of Consumer Protection Received in 2023:
- Refunds/Store Policy: Complaints related to refunds and store policies, including return policies, restocking fees, and refunds for damaged goods.
- Orders/Deliveries: Complaints related to the order and delivery of goods purchased, including missing items, incorrect items received, late or delayed delivery or items never shipped.
- Merchandise/Product: Complaints related to merchandise or products that did not meet consumers’ expectations.
- Credit Cards: Complaints related to erroneous charges, billing, card benefits and illegal surcharges.
- Home Improvement: Complaints related to home improvement, repair services and contractors.
The Federal Trade Commission leads several public events during National Consumer Protection Week that promote consumer protection awareness. All events are free to join and can be found here.