
Department of Financial Services Returned $134 million to Consumers and Health Care Providers
Public Service Commission Helped Over 75,000 New Yorkers with Complaints in 2025, Collecting Nearly $66 Million for Consumers
The Department of Labor Recovered More Than $35 Million in Wage Theft and Collected $2.2 Million in Penalties in 2025
Division of Consumer Protection Helped Over 27,000 New Yorkers with Complaints in 2025 Collecting Nearly $2.7 Million for Consumers
Builds on Governor Hochul’s Ongoing Efforts To Strengthen Consumer Protections and Put Money Back in New Yorkers’ Pockets
New Yorkers Can File a Complaint on the DFS Website
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced New York State agencies secured over $237.7 million in recoveries and restitution for consumers in 2025, building on the Governor’s efforts to strengthen consumer protections and put money back in New Yorkers’ pockets. The New York State Department of Financial Services, Department of Public Service, Department of Labor and the New York Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection helped thousands of New Yorkers and returned meaningful relief through enforcement, complaint resolution and oversight of consumer issues statewide.
“New York State has taken decisive action to protect consumers and keep affordability front and center using every tool available to deliver real results to hardworking families,” Governor Hochul said. “Through strong enforcement by our state agencies, we’ve advanced fairness, transparency, and consumer protections to put New Yorkers first.”
In 2025, the Department of Financial Services (DFS) worked to resolve a record 51,000 complaints from New Yorkers. DFS staff worked directly with consumers to resolve disputes, investigate claim denials and hold financial institutions accountable. New Yorkers who need assistance with disputes involving banks, insurance companies or other financial service providers can visit dfs.ny.gov/complaint or call (800) 342-3736.
The New York State Division of Consumer Protection provides education, advocacy and mediation services to help consumers make informed decisions and protect themselves from fraud and unfair business practices.
DOS assisted over 27,000 New York households with a variety of marketplace disputes through its Consumer Assistance Program, returning nearly $2.7 million to consumers, and participated in 331 consumer education events and presentations to approximately 110,486 consumers across all 10 regions of the state. In addition, DOS’s Do Not Call investigation and enforcement work resulted in settlements with 18 telemarketing companies and the collection of more than $1.8 million in fines, and its Utility Intervention Unit advanced cost effective and quality electric, gas, telephone and cable service by representing consumers at 23 utility rate and policy proceedings before State and federal regulators.
The top five categories of consumer complaints received by DOS in 2025 included:
- Business Policies & Practices: Complaints related to a retailer’s policies and practices, such as return policies, gift cards and certificates, credit card surcharges, advertising, restocking fees and refunds for damaged goods.
- Automobiles & Recreational Vehicles: Complaints related to the purchase and leasing of new and used automobiles, vehicle warranties, repairs, towing, and recreational vehicles and boats.
- Merchandise & Products: Complaints related to merchandise pricing, labeling, and safety, as well as products that did not meet consumers' expectations.
- Professional Services: Complaints related to billing or quality of services from licensed businesses and professionals, such as medical providers, spas and salons, and real estate brokers and agents.
- Orders & Delivery: Complaints related to the order and delivery of goods purchased, including missing items, incorrect items received, late or delayed delivery or items never shipped.
The DOS Division of Consumer Protection's mission is to assist, protect, educate and represent consumers in an ever-changing economy. The Division of Consumer Protection works hard to assist individuals aggrieved in the marketplace through its complaint mediation efforts, along with educating the public on marketplace scams, and advocating consumers' interest before legislative and regulatory bodies.
For free consumer assistance, visit dos.ny.gov/consumer-protection or call the Consumer Assistance Helpline at (800) 697-1220.
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