Tips when Shopping for Services

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10 Things Every Consumer Should Know
Bail Bonds
Conversion Therapy
Debt Collection and Settlement Services
Employment Agencies
Funeral Planning
Heating Oil Delivery
Home Improvement
Immigration Assistance
Notario Público
NYC Tourists: Visiting NYC?
Pedicabs
Price Gouging
Tax Preparers
Towing Services


10 Things Every Consumer Should Know

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Bail Bonds

On February 15, 2018, the Deparmant of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP)—formerly the Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA)—filed charges against bail bond agent Marvin Morgan, and several insurance and management companies for engaging in deceptive and unlawful trade practices that preyed on vulnerable New Yorkers desperate to help bring their loved ones home. Learn more about bail bonds.

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Conversion Therapy

Conversion therapy is illegal in New York City. Learn more about conversion therapy.

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Debt Collection and Settlement Services

Read Glossary of Common Debt Collection Terms. Download Glossary as a PDF in: English | Español (Spanish) | العربية (Arabic) | বাংলা (Bengali) | 简体中文 (Chinese - Simplified) | 繁體中文 (Chinese - Traditional) | Français (French) | Kreyòl Ayisyen (Haitian Creole) | 한국어 (Korean) | Język Polski (Polish) | Русский (Russian) | ردو (Urdu)

Download Debt Collection Guide as a PDF in: English | Español (Spanish) | Kreyòl Ayisyen (Haitian Creole)

Download Information when using Debt Settlement Services in: English | Español (Spanish) | 中文 (Chinese)

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Employment Agencies

Get tips when working with employment agencies

Download Consumer Protection Tips about Employment Agencies in:

Other Languages (PDF, 12/2017):

Download Job Hunter's Bill of Rights in:

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Funeral Planning

Read Important Information for New Yorkers Who Have Lost Loved Ones: Funeral Planning During COVID-19 in:
English (Updated October 13, 2021)
Other Languages (May 14, 2021): Español (Spanish) | العربية (Arabic) | বাংলা (Bengali) | 简体中文 (Chinese - Simplified) | 繁體中文 (Chinese - Traditional) | Français (French) | Kreyòl Ayisyen (Haitian Creole) | 한국어 (Korean) | Język Polski (Polish) | Русский (Russian) | ردو (Urdu)

View funeral planning guide

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Heating Oil Delivery

Get tips for consumers on home heating oil deliveries

Get tips for businesses on heating oil deliveries

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Home Improvement

Get tips when hiring a home improvement contractor

Download Home Improvement Sample Estimate, Contract and Notice of Cancellation, Change Order Form OR all templates as a single file

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Immigration Assistance

 

Download Consumer Bill of Rights Regarding Immigration Assistance Service Providers in:

Read Consumer Protection Tips for Immigrants

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Notario Público

In some Spanish-speaking countries, a Notario Público is a trained legal advisor. But in the United States, a Notary Public is NOT a trained legal advisor. The palm card describes the differences, and is available in English and Español (Spanish).

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NYC Tourists: Visiting NYC?

Read our consumer tips for tourists
Obtener consejos para turistas (Spanish)

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Pedicabs

Don't get taken for a ride. Download What You Need to Know about Pedicab Prices in English, Español (Spanish), 中文 - 简化字 (Chinese - Simplified), and Français (French)

Plan to ride in a pedicab? Before you do, know your rights! Get quick tips in English and Español (Spanish)

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Price Gouging

During a State of Emergency in the City of New York, it is illegal for businesses to charge excessive prices for goods or services that are essential to health, safety or welfare. Learn more about price gouging.

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Tax Preparers

Tax preparers must give you a copy of your Consumer Bill of Rights Regarding Tax Preparers

Get more consumer tips regarding tax preparers

Did you know the City offers free tax preparation services to eligible New Yorkers? Also refund-boosting tax credits including the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and New York City Child Care Tax Credit (CCTC) can put extra money in your pocket! Learn more at nyc.gov/taxprep

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Towing Services

Get tips on towing services

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