DCA Press Releases
NYC.gov RSS

• New York State and City Consumer Protection Agencies Call For Improved Marketing Standards for ESCOs
  The New York State Consumer Protection Board (CPB) and the New York City Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) joined together in submitting a petition to the Public Service Commission (PSC) on Thursday, asking them to establish enforceable rules governing the marketing practices of energy service companies (ESCOs) operating in New York State to protect consumers from aggressive marketing tactics.
• Mayor Bloomberg and Speaker Quinn Announce Green Cart Legislation to Improve Access to Fresh Fruits and Vegetables in Neighborhoods With Greatest Need
  Mayor Bloomberg and Speaker Quinn today proposed legislation that would increase the number of food carts that sell fresh fruits and vegetables only. The carts will be located in neighborhoods throughout the five boroughs where access to fresh fruit and vegetables is limited.
• Seniors Get “Savvy” About Financial Fraud
  Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg today issued a proclamation declaring the day “Senior Savvy Day” in New York City. In recognition, New York City Department for the Aging (DFTA) Commissioner Edwin Méndez-Santiago, LCSW, in partnership with the New York City Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) and the Federal Trade Commission’s Northeast Regional Office (FTC) announced the launch of “Senior Savvy,” a citywide outreach campaign designed to help seniors be more aware of online and offline scams.
• New York City Receives $125,000 for Neighborhood-Based Financial Counseling
  The New York City Department of Consumer Affairs’ Office of Financial Empowerment (OFE) today announced it received a $125,000 grant to pilot the City’s ability to provide one-on-one neighborhood financial counseling in low-income communities.
• CONSUMER AFFAIRS SECURES AGREEMENT WITH BARON AUTO CITY
  New York City Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) Commissioner Jonathan Mintz today announced an agreement with Baron Auto City, located at 187-10 Jamaica Avenue in Queens, refunding more than $90,000 to 23 car buyers whom the agency charged were misled through deceptive sales tactics. As part of DCA’s comprehensive initiative to protect the most vulnerable New Yorkers against deceptive and predatory car sales, this settlement is the first of many cases under investigation to bring consumer relief while also ensuring fair business practices. In addition to refunds, Baron Auto City paid $50,000 in fines to the City, approximately $10,000 in escrow for possible unknown cases, and agreed to comprehensive remedies including an independent monitor and employee training.
• Consumer Affairs Hits the Street to Help Store Owners Know the Law as Part of Annual Business Education Day
  New York City Department of Consumer Affairs Commissioner Jonathan Mintz today joined representatives from the Union Square Partnership to kick off the agency's 5th annual BUSINESS EDUCATION DAY—a comprehensive five borough event to help educate local businesses about the City's consumer protection and licensing laws.
• NEW RULE HEATS UP SIDEWALK CAFÉS TO EXTEND CITY’S OUTDOOR DINING SEASON
  To restaurant owners’ and outdoor diners’ delight, New York City Department of Consumer Affairs Commissioner Jonathan Mintz today announced a new Rule allowing restaurants to install approved portable natural gas heaters in licensed sidewalk cafés. The Rule was published in today’s City Record and takes effect immediately.
• Mayor Bloomberg Welcomes First Opportunity NYC Program Participants and Announces Partnerships With Eight Local Banks and Credit Unions to Offer Them 'No Fee' Accounts
  First Participants in Nation's First-Ever Conditional Cash Transfer Initiative Have Opened Over 170 New Bank Accounts In Program's First 11 Days
• Mayor Bloomberg Addresses the Brookings Center On Children and Families "Briefing On the Census Poverty Report"
  Mayor Proposes New Earned Income Tax Credit that Demands More of Recipients in Exchange for Greater Benefits
  CONSUMER AFFAIRS ISSUES $MART "BACK-TO-SCHOOL" SHOPPING TIPS
  Back-to-school shopping is in session! To help parents and students tackle bustling store aisles with confidence, the New York City Department of Consumer Affairs today offered basic tips, and Commissioner Jonathan Mintz challenged New Yorkers to test their back-to-school shopping savvy by taking DCA's quick online quiz at www.nyc.gov/consumers.
• Statement by Consumer Affairs Commissioner Jonathan Mintz on Publishing of Pedicab Licensing Rules
  In April 2007, the City Council passed Local Law 19 over Mayor Bloomberg's veto, requiring pedicabs to be licensed and restricting the number of pedicab plates that can be issued citywide to 325. Today, taking into account multiple meetings and generous input from industry members and other stakeholders, the New York City Department of Consumer Affairs published its final rules in The City Record for issuing those pedicab licenses.
• NY Officials Announce Results of Coordinated Enforcement Targeting Unlicensed Home Improvement Contractors
  Home improvement contractors who operate illegally without a license and often fail to meet industry standards can cause damage to homeowners' property and wallets. To step up enforcement efforts and better protect homeowners, New York regional consumer affairs and law enforcement agencies today announced the results of a coordinated, multi-county enforcement initiative targeting unlicensed home improvement contractors operating in the five boroughs and beyond.
• DFTA Launches Largest Municipal Program in the Nation to Attract Retiree Expertise to City Agencies
  Deputy Mayor Linda Gibbs and Commissioner Edwin Méndez-Santiago, LCSW, today announced the largest municipal program in the nation that will give retirees the opportunity to share their expertise with city agencies. The program, in conjunction with ReServe Elder Services, will match retirees—or ReServists—with short term city agency projects that utilize their expertise and experience.
• Consumer Affairs Proposes Licensing Rules for Pedicabs
  The New York City Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) today announced its proposed rules for issuing pedicab licenses. The proposal follows the enactment of Local Law 19, passed by the City Council over Mayor Bloomberg's veto in April 2007, which requires pedicabs to be licensed and restricts the total number of plates citywide to 325.
• Record Number of Students Graduate as Financially Literate in 2007
  The New York Financial Literacy Coalition, an initiative of W!SE, released the results of the 2007 Financial Literacy Certification Test at its annual Financial Literacy Scholars Reception today. Jonathan Mintz, Commissioner, NYC Department of Consumer Affairs and the Office of Financial Empowerment, delivered the keynote address at the reception, honoring students who achieved a passing grade of 95% or better on the Test.