Recent Settlements and Specific Consumer Topics

DCWP has zero tolerance for businesses that seek to prey on unsuspecting consumers with predatory practices. Through mediating complaints, charging businesses with violations of the applicable law and rules, and executing settlements, DCWP delivers restitution for consumers wronged by deceptive business practices. In addition, through community outreach and public education campaigns, DCWP provides tools and resources for New Yorkers to be educated and empowered consumers.

Recent Settlements with Consumer Restitution

Did you purchase a used car from a 26 Motors dealership in New York City between March 1, 2019 and January 5, 2024? Learn about DCWP's agreement with 26 Motors — a group of six used car dealerships — that will deliver $1.5 million in relief to New Yorkers harmed by the dealerships’ deceptive sales practices. 

Have you been contacted by Portfolio Recovery Associates about a debt collection? Learn about its settlement with the federal government.

Did you have a problem with AT&T between January 1, 2019 and May 2, 2023? Learn about DCWP's settlement with AT&T for alleged violations of the NYC Consumer Protection Law. 

Were you a Berkeley College student prior to January 1, 2019 and owed tuition or fees to Berkeley? Learn about DCWP's settlement with Berkeley including $20 million in debt relief.

Specific Consumer Complaint Topics

In New York City, it’s illegal to sell, distribute, lease, or rent the following items without required safety certifications and disclosures:

• Powered bicycles, including e-bikes
• Powered mobility devices, including e-scooters, hoverboards, segways, e-skateboards, and e-uniwheels
• Storage batteries, including lithium-ion batteries and other rechargeable storage batteries used in powered bicycles and powered mobility devices

The logo, mark, or name of the laboratory that completed the required safety certification must be on the package, in documentation given to you at the time of sale, or on the item. You can file a complaint about a person or business that sells, distributes, leases, or rents powered bicycles, powered mobility devices, or storage batteries that don’t meet these legal requirements. Email consumers@dcwp.nyc.gov or call 311 to report the problem. Please be as specific as possible about the problem.

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NYC law regulates online third-party food delivery services and third-party courier services in NYC ("restaurant delivery apps" or “apps"). Apps must follow certain requirements concerning consumers, delivery workers, and restaurants. Know your consumer rights.

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You can file a complaint about a business in New York City that refuses cash payments. This includes businesses that sell food, such as restaurants and mobile food vendors. File cash payment refusal complaint online or call 311 to report the problem.

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Before buying used catalytic converters, secondhand dealers must get and keep an electronic record of the following information from the seller:

• Year, make, model, and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of the vehicle from which the used catalytic converter was removed
• Copy of the Certificate of Title from the previous owner of the catalytic converter
• Determination that the catalytic converter matches the manufacturer’s specifications

You can file a complaint about secondhand dealers that do not follow these legal requirements. Email consumers@dcwp.nyc.gov or call 311 to report the problem. Please be as specific as possible about the problem.

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Read recent press releases on latest news on how we're protecting New Yorkers, including settlements with worker restitution for freelancers at L'Officiel USA.