This research brief examines the financial vulnerability of New Yorkers prior to the COVID-19 crisis to understand who is least able to cope with its economic effects. The research brief looks at three key indicators of financial health—banking access, emergency savings, and credit access.
The Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP), formerly the Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA), seeks to protect and enhance the daily economic lives of New Yorkers to help create thriving communities. The emergency rule makes it illegal to increase prices by 10 percent or more...
The New York City Business Integrity Commission (“BIC”) conducted an investigation into a licensed commercial trade waste carting company in response to customer complaints of overcharging by the company, and as a result two customers received more than eighteen months of restitution.
This report covers all business outreach done by the agency during the time period of 6/30/2019 – 6/29/2020. It is submitted pursuant to N.Y.C. Ad. Code § 20-706.2 as added by Local Law 68 of 2015.
Scammers often take advantage of vulnerable people during times of crisis and distress. It is important that you be aware of any potential scams in order to protect yourself and your money. This publication describes common COVID-19-related scams and tips to stay safe.
Consumers may request at any time that a debt collector stop communicating with them permanently about a debt or alleged debt. If you are facing financial hardship due to the COVID-19 crisis, you can request that debt collection agencies stop contacting you temporarily about the debt.
After analyzing the more than 10,000 complaints about price gouging, DCWP found that the neighborhoods with the most complaints are many of the same neighborhoods that were hardest hit by COVID-19. These neighborhoods, which are majority Black and Hispanic, are already financially vulnerable.
Women face unique challenges in the workplace and marketplace. The Department of Consumer and Worker Protection created these tips to educate women about ways to protect themselves and where to turn for help.