Auto Information
DCA licenses Secondhand Auto Dealers, Tow Truck Companies, and Tow Truck Drivers and enforces the Consumer Protection Law. Get tips when dealing with an auto business.
Auto Rental and Repair Guide 
    
Towing Services Guide 
    
Check if a tow truck company is licensed 
    
Used Car Sales Guide 
    
Used Car Sales Tips in 
    English 
    Español (Spanish) 
    
Check if a used car dealer is licensed

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Bed Bug Information
Learn how to prevent bed bug infestations, and safely control them when they occur.
Visit the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene for important information

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Debt Collection Information
Any business collecting debts from New York City residents must be licensed by DCA. Learn what to do when you receive a notice from a debt collector.
Debt Collection Guide in   
    English      
    Español (Spanish)      
    Kreyòl Ayisyen (Haitian Creole)     
       
Check if a debt collection agency is licensed 
    
Information for Consumers: Money Judgments and Frozen Bank Accounts 
    
Learn about the NYS Security Freeze Law  

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Debt Settlement Services—Information and Tips
Over your head in debt? Struggling to pay your bills? Beware of services that claim they can eliminate or “settle” your debts. In the majority of cases, debt settlement does not work and can cost you thousands of dollars in fees, leaving you even further in debt.
Get tips to protect your money in   
    English       
    Español (Spanish)       
    中文 (Chinese)

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Electronics—Buying and Selling Electronics
This two-part business/consumer guide focuses on electronics retailing. It includes the rights and responsibilities of electronics dealers. Consumers receive advice on how to get the best possible deal when buying electronic equipment.
Learn more 
    
Attention Shoppers: Get tips when shopping for electronics 
    
Check if an electronics store is licensed
 

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Employment Agency Information
Learn your rights when it comes to using employment agencies. The guide is available in English, Spanish, Russian, Hindi, Haitian Creole, traditional Chinese, Bengali, and Korean.
What You Need to Know about Employment Agencies 
    
Check if an employment agency is licensed 
    
Model Contract (English) or Contrato (Español/Spanish) 
    
Model Receipt (English) or Recibo (Español/Spanish) 
    
NY Law (in English and Español/Spanish)  
    
Domestic or Household Workers: Statement of Employee Rights and Employer Responsibilities (English) or Empleados domésticos:Declaración de derechos del empleado y responsabilidades del empleador (Español/Spanish)

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Funeral Planning Guide
This guide helps you deal with the important details that must be taken care of immediately after someone passes away and includes a checklist of common charges.
Learn more
 
 

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Home Improvement Information
Contractors performing home improvement work in New York City that costs more than $200 must be licensed by DCA. Learn what you should know before—and after—hiring a home improvement contractor.
Home Improvement Guide 
    
Home Improvement Tips 
     
Check if a home improvement contractor or salesperson is licensed 
    
Model Contract 
    
Information about required Buildings permits 
    
Learn more

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ID Theft Prevention Tips
Protect your identity.
Get ID theft prevention tips in
    English
    Español (Spanish)
    中文 (Chinese)  
    Kreyòl Ayisyen (Haitian Creole)  
    한국어 (Korean)  
    Русский (Russian)

Learn more about DCA's public awareness campaign to prevent identity theft

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Immigration Assistance Service Providers
In one complete guide, learn what an immigration assistance service provider can and cannot do; read about Executive Order 41 which protects people seeking City services; review an immigration assistance service model contract; and learn the differences between a Notario Público and a Notary Public.
Download the guide 
    
Tips when using an immigration assistance service provider in 
    English 
    Español (Spanish) 
    বাংলা (Bengali) 
    中文 (Chinese) 
    Kreyòl Ayisyen (Haitian Creole) 
    한국어 (Korean) 
    Русский (Russian)  
    
 Sample Contract

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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 Spanish.
Notarios/Notary Publics Palm Card

 

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Tips about Payday Loans
Payday loans are illegal in New York. A payday loan is a high-interest loan borrowed against your next paycheck. In New York State, most payday loans are handled by phone or online.
Get tips in  
    English    
    Español (Spanish)    
    中文 (Chinese)   
    Русский (Russian) 
    
Money Worries? Speak with a free Financial Empowerment Center counselor to help you take control

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Prescription Drugs
Under New York State Law, pharmacists must dispense all drugs as prescribed by doctors. If your doctor prescribes a generic drug, the pharmacy cannot substitute it with a more expensive brand-name drug. Read the Generic Drugs consumer guide and review information from government resources.
Generic Drugs: How to Save Money on Prescription Drugs 
    
Prescription Drug Coverage Plan Assistance (provided by the New York City Department of Aging) 
    
How-to Guide for Medicare Recipients (provided by the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging) 
    
Prescription Drug Prices (provided by the New York State Department of Health)

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Scams
Learn about common scams and ways you can avoid them.
False Advertising: How to Spot It 
    
ID Theft Prevention Tips 
     
Internet Scams 
      
Problem with Payday Loans

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Shopping Smarts
Become a savvy consumer by following DCA’s smart shopping tips.
Back-to-School Shopping Lessons
    English     
    Español (Spanish) 
    
Important Information about Refunds 
    
Be a Savvy Senior 
    
Shopping by Phone or Mail 
    
Smart Shopping Tips 
     
Supermarket Shopping 

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Tax Preparation
If you plan on using a tax preparer to file your taxes, know your rights and tax preparers’ responsibilities to ensure a fair deal.
Download the Tax Preparation Services consumer guide 
    
Download the Consumer Bill of Rights Regarding Tax Preparers in
    English     
    Español (Spanish)    
     العربية (Arabic)     
    বাংলা (Bengali)     
    中文 (Chinese) 
    Kreyòl Ayisyen (Haitian Creole)     
    한국어 (Korean)     
    Русский (Russian) 
    
 Palm card with tax preparation tips in
    English 
    Español (Spanish)
 

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