Search Email Updates Contact Us Residents Business Visitors Government Office of the Mayor NYC.gov always open
DCA Banner
Get Adobe PDF Reader
 Adobe Acrobat Reader
(required to view PDFs)
























 
 

Consumer Campus is for YOU - students at New York City colleges and universities. The NYC Department of Consumer Affairs, in partnership with the Federal Trade Commission's Northeast Regional Office, put together this information to help you protect yourself - as a consumer.

Young people spend billions of dollars every year on electronics, clothes, and the pursuit of happiness. Read on, and start another school year with access to government resources, laws and information that make the marketplace safer and fairer.

 
  Consumer Affairs     Hi-Tech Ripoffs     Buyer Beware     Federal Trade Commision
 
 
The New York City Department of Consumer Affairs works to ensure that consumers and businesses benefit from a fair and vibrant marketplace.

City Law Protects and Defends Consumers

Got a Complaint? We are listening.
   
Stop, Cyber-Thief!

Identify Theft
   
Shopping for Electronics

Cell Phones: Battle of the Brands

"Pre-Approved" Credit Cards

Want to be a model? PROTECT YOURSELF FROM GETTING SCAMMED
   
The FTC, headquartered in Washington, DC, enforces federal consumer protection laws that prevent fraud, deception and unfair business practices. Whether combating telemarketing fraud, Internet scams or price-fixing schemes, the FTC’s primary mission is to protect consumers. FTC Homepage
 
                       
 
Consumer Topics
 
       
 
  City Law Protects and Defends Consumers
When a business delivers less than it promised or charges you more than it advertised, the law is on your side. New York City's Consumer Protection Laws are your first line of defense.
Consumer Protection Law (in brief)
    Got a Complaint? We’re Listening
Want to file a complaint? Need more info? Call 311, the City's 24-hour citizen service helpline, to connect to DCA or any government agency, and for information on the best ways to deal with or prevent problems when you do business.
311 Home Page

 
Hi-Tech Ripoffs
 
       
    Stop, Cyber-Thief!
You’ve probably received them -- unsolicited e-mails begging for money
or favors for someone in need. These and many other Internet con games arrive in e-mail every day. To know what to expect, and how to handle them, read DCA’s INTERNET SCAM GUIDE. Then find out more from the FTC.
Internet Scam Guide | FTC
    Identity Theft
Every time you shop online or throw away material with an account number, important personal information could land in the wrong hands. The Federal Trade Commission shows you how to avoid identity theft, and what to do if it happens to you.
FTC's ID Theft info


 
Buyer Beware
 
       
    Shopping for Electronics
You can find big bargains at New York City's electronics stores, but you can also get ripped off if you’re not careful. Thinking of picking up some hardware on sale? Find out if you’re really getting that special deal, as advertised or pitched by a salesperson.
DCA electronics guide
    Cell Phones: Battle of the Brands
Regulators are pushing cell phone companies to improve service and make it easier for consumers to compare carriers before making a purchase. Consumers Union advises you on what you need to know, and the City provides a cell phone reception report.
Consumers Union | NYC mobile phone report
    "Pre-Approved" Credit Cards
Chances are you've gotten your share of "pre-approved" credit card offers in the mail, some with low introductory rates and other perks. Many of these ads urge you to accept "before the offer expires." Beware - don’t be rushed into a deal before you can find out every detail! Get advice from the Federal Trade Commission.
FTC Credit Smarts


Copyright 2004 The City of New York Contact Us | FAQs | Privacy Statement | Site Map