IMPORTANT! Get DCWP Alerts and Information During COVID-19 Crisis, including price gouging complaints and resources to manage money.
Jump to section for:
10 Things Every Consumer Should Know
Getting Ready for Affordable Housing
Credit Cards
Credit and Debit Card Fraud at ATM and Credit Card Machines
Credit Repair Scams
Debt Collection and Settlement Services
Financial Counseling
Financial Products
Identity Theft Prevention
Payday Loans
Predatory Bail Bond Agents
Predatory Lending in the Used Car Industry
Student Loans
View guide (as a webpage)
Download guide as a PDF in:
The Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) and Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) offer resources to help New Yorkers prepare for and navigate the housing application process.
Learn how to get the most out of your credit card and avoid debt
Learn how to protect yourself from card skimmers
Learn how to spot a credit repair scam
New! Read Glossary of Common Debt Collection Terms. Download Glossary as a PDF in: English | Español (Spanish) | العربية (Arabic) | বাংলা (Bengali) | 简体中文 (Chinese - Simplified) | 繁體中文 (Chinese - Traditional) | Français (French) | Kreyòl Ayisyen (Haitian Creole) | 한국어 (Korean) | Język Polski (Polish) | Русский (Russian) | ردو (Urdu)
If you are facing financial hardship due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis, you can request that debt collection agencies stop contacting you temporarily about the debt. Download Cease Debt Collection Communication Letter: Instructions and Template in English | Español (Spanish) | العربية (Arabic) | বাংলা (Bengali) | 简体中文 (Chinese - Simplified) | 繁體中文 (Chinese - Traditional) | Français (French) | Kreyòl Ayisyen (Haitian Creole) | 한국어 (Korean) | Język Polski (Polish) | Русский (Russian) | ردو (Urdu)
Download Debt Collection Guide as a PDF in:
Download Information when using Debt Settlement Services as a PDF in:
Get free one-on-one professional financial counseling at one of more than 20 Financial Empowerment Centers across the five boroughs. Find a Center near you.
Our "Do More with Your Money" tip sheets describe financial products:
Protect your identity. Download tips in:
Payday loans are illegal in New York. Download tips in PDF to avoid this predatory lending practice in:
On February 15, 2018, DCA filed charges against bail bond agent Marvin Morgan, and several insurance and management companies for engaging in deceptive and unlawful trade practices that preyed on vulnerable New Yorkers desperate to help bring their loved ones home. Learn more about bail bonds.
Buying a used car can be one of the largest financial commitments you make. Know your rights when it comes to used car dealers and financing.
Get more information on how we're helping New Yorkers lose their student loan debt at nyc.gov/studentloans