FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Thursday, April 26, 2018

MEDIA CONTACT:
Gloria Chin / Christine Gianakis
Department of Consumer Affairs
(212) 436-0042
press@dca.nyc.gov

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NYC Department of Consumer Affairs Warns New Yorkers about Scam Related to September 11 Victims Compensation Fund

The New York City Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) is aware of calls being made by individuals impersonating employees at the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund to steal the private information of first responders and survivors. These callers may ask for the status of a claim or state an individual may be entitled to money and ask for personal information. DCA recommends that anyone who is uncertain as to the validity of the call end the phone conversation and report the call.

To protect yourself from this scam:

Avoid giving personal information over the phone. REMEMBER - phone numbers can be spoofed (or faked) to look like they are from someone you know or an organization you may trust.
Note details about the call: If possible, record the date, time, the name of the caller and the number they called from.
End the call immediately.
Report the call to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC): Visit the FTC website or call 1-877-FTC-HELP.

For more information on ways to protect yourself from scams, visit our website at nyc.gov/dca.

The NYC Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) protects and enhances the daily economic lives of New Yorkers to create thriving communities. DCA licenses more than 81,000 businesses in more than 50 industries and enforces key consumer protection, licensing, and workplace laws that apply to countless more. By supporting businesses through equitable enforcement and access to resources and, by helping to resolve complaints, DCA protects the marketplace from predatory practices and strives to create a culture of compliance. Through its community outreach and the work of its offices of Financial Empowerment and Labor Policy & Standards, DCA empowers consumers and working families by providing the tools and resources they need to be educated consumers and to achieve financial health and work-life balance. DCA also conducts research and advocates for public policy that furthers its work to support New York City’s communities. For more information about DCA and its work, call 311 or visit DCA at nyc.gov/dca or on its social media sites, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.