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Mayor Bloomberg and Commissioner Mintz Urge Eligible Filers to Sign Up for SaveUSA Matched Tax Time Savings Program and Announce 2011 Results 10th Annual Tax Credit Campaign Includes Free or Low-Cost Filing Options Filers across four cities, including NYC, opened more than 1,600 SaveUSA accounts, with total savings close to $1 million. At select free tax sites in NYC, eligible filers can open the SaveUSA account and earn a 50 percent match—up to $500—when they save part of their refund for one year. Eligible New Yorkers can also file their taxes online for free or get their taxes done at a participating H&R Block for $29.  Read the press releaseLearn how to file your taxes for free or low costLearn about the SaveUSA programGet information about tax credits, including Earned Income Tax CreditView DCA’s Tax Time video on YouTube | |
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Commissioner Mintz Announces Results of Holiday Gold Buying SweepUndercover Investigations Reveal Deceptive Weighing Practices and Widely Variable Pricing Valuations; 3 out of 4 Gold Buyers in Violation of Local Laws Using three pieces of gold jewelry independently appraised at $590, an undercover inspector received offers ranging from $175 to $450. In addition to widely differing pricing valuations, DCA inspectors found widespread predatory practices, including not separating gold pieces when weighing, not testing for accurate karat rate, and undervaluing of gold. To protect consumers, DCA proposed a package of new regulations requiring greater disclosures during the weighing and valuation of gold. DCA urges New Yorkers to check that a gold buyer is licensed and to shop around for the fairest price. Read the press release and get tipsWatch Good Morning America’s exclusive look at DCA’s investigationCheck if a gold buyer is licensed as a secondhand dealer or pawnbrokerFile a complaint | |
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 DCA Launches YouTube Channel with Three New Protect Your Money Videos New Yorkers can now visit DCA on YouTube to view the latest releases in the Protect Your Money video series. Featuring agency staff who offer straightforward tips and information on how to protect your hard-earned dollars, videos include: • Introduction from Commissioner Mintz • It’s Tax Time. Go Get Your Refund! • Know Your Rights about Debt Collection • Tips on Buying a Used Car • Shopping Tips • File a Complaint with DCA Videos are available in English and Spanish. Read the press releaseVisit DCA’s YouTube channelVisit the Protect Your Money Web site |
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Top Ten Financial Resolutions for 2012 DCA issues important tips to help you protect your money and be a savvy consumer in the new year. Read the press release with top 10 New Year’s financial resolutionsLearn about important tax creditsVisit the Protect Your Money Web site |
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DCA Releases Municipal Financial Empowerment: A Supervitamin for Public Programs Initial Report of Series Details "Supervitamin Effect" of Improved Social Service Outcomes When Integrating Professional Financial Counseling This first report documents DCA's work embedding one-on-one professional financial counseling within several City services, including homeless prevention, workforce development, domestic violence interventions, and the promising results. The series builds the case that fully integrating financial empowerment and asset building strategies into public programs will lead to more effective service delivery, improving outcomes while potentially saving money. Read the press releaseDownload the reportLearn more about the City's Financial Empowerment CentersVisit Cities for Financial Empowerment Web site |
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DCA and CUNY Celebrate First Full Semester of New Course in Financial Counseling Formal Training Program Required for Financial Empowerment Center Counselors Now Available For Social Service Providers Developed by DCA and CUNY, Consumer and Personal Finance is a three-credit course offered through CUNY's School of Professional Studies. The course is designed to give service providers across all fields the practical skills and knowledge to help their clients protect their money by focusing on the fundamentals of managing personal finances. Read the press releaseDownload the course flyerFind a Financial Empowerment Center near you |
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City Announces Launch of “Know Before You Enroll” Newest “Protect Your Money” Ads Alert Adults to Predatory School Scams and Free and Low-Cost School Choices Using the stories of real New Yorkers, the City reminds everyone pursuing degrees and training: • Explore free and low-cost adult education and training options • Check the quality of a school before enrolling and paying tuition • Don’t enroll in unlicensed schools • Get free, professional financial counseling Read the press releaseVisit the Protect Your Money Web site to view ads and learn moreFind a Financial Empowerment Center near you |
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DCA Inspects All 766 Airline Scales and 138 Shops at NYC Airports to Protect Holiday Travelers 80 Stop-Use Orders Issued for Failing Scales DCA conducted a three-week enforcement sweep of JFK and LaGuardia airports to protect travelers from luggage overcharges and deceptive business practices during the holiday travel season. Inspectors issued 109 violations; top violations included failure to disclose refund policies, unlicensed activity, and labeling violations. Read the press releaseConsumers: File a complaintBusinesses: Submit a Scale Inspection Request Form online |
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 NYC Partners with Seven Financial Institutions to Offer Municipal Workers Free Checking Account as Part of NYC Direct Deposit Program Provides Thousands Safer, Easier, and Cheaper Way to Get Paid In two simple steps, municipal employees and individual vendors receiving payments from the City can open NYC’s free account and enroll in direct deposit. Additional account features include: no monthly or debit card fees; no overdraft option for debit card purchases or ATM withdrawals; no minimum balance requirements; free online banking and bill pay; free in-network ATM withdrawals. Read the press releaseLearn more about NYC Direct Deposit |
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DCA Shuts Down Deceptive Talent Agency and Orders Owner to Pay More Than $900,000 in Fines Responding to more than 80 consumer complaints, DCA charged WMT Model & Talent Network Development, Ltd. with false advertising, failure to deliver promised services, and unlicensed activity. In addition to the fines and penalties, the judge barred business owner Bradley Poster from holding any DCA license in the future. DCA urges job seekers to check an employment agency’s license status and complaint history, and follow other consumer protection tips. Read the press release and get tipsCheck if an employment agency is licensedGet Employment Agency Information and read about ScamsFile a complaint against an employment agency |
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New Yorkers Can Access DCA Licensing Services Online Helps New Yorkers Run and Grow Their Businesses … and Do Right by City Consumers Through DCA's Business Toolbox, the over-78,000 businesses regulated by DCA can access online services to apply for a license; renew their license; update their contact, name, and officer information; request replacement of a license that is lost, stolen, or damaged; pay fines; learn about their rights and obligations; and more. Read the press releaseVisit DCA's Business Toolbox |
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| New York City employees are not allowed to ask for or accept anything of value, such as money, gifts, or tips for doing their job. To report corruption, contact the NYC Department of Investigation by visiting DOI online. |
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