Attorney General James Releases Top 10 Consumer Frauds Of 2019

Internet, Automobile, Consumer Services, and Housing Issues

AG James Provides Tips to Avoid Scams, Urges

New Yorkers to Immediately Report Fraud to Her Office

  New York Attorney General Letitia James kicked off National Consumer Protection Week by releasing the list of top 10 consumer fraud complaints received by her office in 2019, in addition to a variety of tips on how New Yorkers can avoid future scams.  

“This top 10 list not only reflects the numerous ways in which consumers were unfortunately defrauded, cheated, and conned in 2019, but should serve as a warning sign for all consumers as we forge ahead into 2020,” said Attorney General James. “Consumers who have helped identify and report issues to our office have been invaluable partners in our efforts to stop deceptive scams and will be vital in our efforts to stop fraudsters dead in their tracks going forward. My office will continue to use every tool at its disposable to protect New York consumers and enforce our laws.”  

After analyzing consumer complaints received statewide throughout 2019, the Office of the New York Attorney General found that internet-related complaints topped the list of complaints for the 14th year in a row, with 4,436 complaints last year. This category covered a range of issues, including internet services and service providers, data privacy and security, digital media, data breaches, and frauds through internet manipulation. Consumer-related service complaints were second on the list with 2,659 complaints, in areas such as banking, immigration services, security systems, technical repairs, and schools. Automobile sales, service, financing, and repairs ranked third with 2,510 complaints, followed by 1,910 landlord/tenant complaints, which included complaints about rent security deposits and tenant harassment. Rounding out the top five were 1,811 utility-related complaints, which included complaints about cable and satellite companies, energy services and suppliers, and wireless phone carriers.   

The following are the top 10 consumer complaints by category in 2019: 

RANKING	CATEGORY	NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS
1	Internet-Related (internet services and service providers, data privacy and security, digital media, data breaches, frauds through internet manipulation)	4,436
2	Consumer-Related (security systems, tech repairs, immigration services, consignment shops)	2,659
3	Automobile (buying, leasing, repair, service contracts, rentals)	2,510
4	Landlord/Tenant Disputes(security deposit releases, tenant-harassment)	1,910
5	Utilities (wireless and residential phones, energy servicers and suppliers, cable and satellite)	1,811
6	Credit (debt collection, credit card billing,  debt settlement and debt relief, payday loans, credit  repair, credit reporting agencies, identity theft)	1,206
7	Retail Sales (any sale of goods: food, clothing, rent-to-own, online orders)	1,091
8	Home Repair/Construction(home improvement services not delivered or done poorly)	901
9	Mail Order and Online Catalogs (purchases made via mail order or online catalog)	593
10	Mortgage (mortgage modifications, mortgage and loan broker fraud, foreclosures)	493

Attorney General James also offered consumers the following list of tips they should use to protect themselves and their families going into 2020:  

1. Internet: If you receive a telephone call or a pop-up message from your 
   internet browser indicating that your computer is infected by a virus and that you must call a number immediately, you are likely being targeted by scammers. Microsoft, Dell, Apple, and other companies almost never call or send unsolicited email messages indicating a problem with a computer.  Be especially vigilant if someone asks you to pay in Bitcoin or gift cards.  If you have given scammers access to your computer, uninstall any applications the scammer had you install, run antivirus software, and consider reformatting your device. While reformatting a device may be time-consuming and may involve the loss of data, it offers consumers more protection. Apply all security updates as soon as they are available and change your passwords often.    
   
   
2. Debt Relief Services: Debt relief service scams target consumers by falsely promising to eliminate or otherwise reduce their debt. In some student loan debt relief schemes, the companies impersonate the federal government and promise to help students enroll in government programs that would reduce or forgive their debt. These companies may charge an up-front fee, which is illegal. Rather than paying for these expensive services, student loan borrowers can obtain these services through their student loan servicer at no charge. 
   Consumers can find more information on how to protect themselves against these scammers on the Attorney General’s website.  
   
   
3. Automobiles: Beware of deceptive sales tactics when purchasing or leasing a car.  Do not sign a blank document that does not have numbers or terms filled in.  Make sure that what you are signing is consistent with what the salesperson told you and that you are not being charged for any extra accessories or products that you did not ask for, such as warranties, tire and wheel protection, and vin etching.  Never sign documents or leave the dealership with a car until you have reviewed all of your paperwork carefully.  Also, ask the salesperson or finance manager about any fees or charges you do not understand and whether they are required by law. Ask for an exact copy of every document you sign to take with you.   
   
   
4. Landlord/Tenant Disputes: Tenants in New York State have new rights and protections, ending the need to pay high fees or risk eviction. For example, 
   before signing a lease, a landlord can charge $20, at most, for a credit and background check, and they can only charge up to one month of rent for a security deposit or “advance payment.” This applies to all residential rentals, with a few exceptions, whether you have a lease or not. There are additional protections for late fees and eviction, including a landlord’s obligation to send you a written notice by certified mail every time you are more than five days late with your rent, and the inability to charge more than $50 or five-percent of your monthly rent, whichever is lower, as a late fee. Additionally, if you leave your apartment or other rental home before your lease term ends, your landlord has to make a good-faith effort to fill the vacancy. If the landlord finds a new tenant, and the new tenant’s rent is equal or higher to your rent, your lease is considered terminated and you are no longer liable for the rent. More information on NYS rent laws can be found on the Attorney General’s website. 
   If you are protected by rent regulation laws or suspect that you should be protected, you can visit NYS's Homes and Community Renewal website. 
   Consumers can also go online for help finding an attorney.   
   
   
5. Utilities: Many consumers are confused about energy service companies (ESCO) that offer to sell them electricity or gas.  Consumers do not need to purchase these services through an ESCO, and instead can purchase their energy directly from their local utilities. Oftentimes, ESCOs engage in deceptive practices to induce consumers to switch to their services, such as promising savings or 100-percent green energy, or switching consumers without their consent. Before accepting ESCO service, consumers should ask how their rates compare to the rates provided directly from utility companies, and whether their purchase of an ESCO’s green product will actually support the environment.  Finally, all consumers should remember that if they sign up with any ESCO, they have three days to change their minds without incurring any obligations.   
   
   
6. Credit: Given the prevalence of data breaches by major corporations, consumers should consider a credit freeze with the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.  A credit freeze lets you restrict access to your credit report, which offers the highest level of protection against someone opening a new account in your name.  Credit freezes and unfreezes are now free under law.  Fraud alerts, which are also free, can now be obtained for a year and require businesses to take reasonable steps to ensure that the person who is applying for credit in a particular name is indeed that person and not someone else.     
   
   
7. Retail Sales: Rent-to-own transactions may provide quick access to household goods for low weekly or monthly payments, but consumers often end up paying far more than the retail price of the item. If you suddenly can’t afford the payments, you will lose the product and the money you’ve already paid. Before entering into a rental purchase agreement, be sure to read and understand all terms and ask questions, including: How much are the monthly payments? What other monthly fees apply? What is the total dollar cost to own the item? Who pays for repairs? Is there a penalty for paying off the item early? More information about rent-to-own transactions can be found on the Attorney General’s website.  
   
   
8. Home Improvement: Many consumers are turning to solar energy for their homes. However, it’s important that homeowners thoroughly research the companies and the different products available before making a decision. Some companies offer “Power Purchase Agreements” or “PPAs,” where the company owns the panels and you pay for the power produced by the panels, while others allow you to pay for the panels themselves and own the solar energy produced. You will still pay your energy company certain set fees, as well as pay for any additional energy you need beyond what the panels produce. Be mindful that PPAs are long-term contracts, generally for 20 years, and cannot be cancelled without severe penalties. For more information about solar panels, visit the Attorney General’s website.   
   
   
9. Online Sales: Negative option marketing is a popular form of sales online, where online merchants treat a consumer’s failure to reject an offer or cancel an agreement as their approval to be charged for goods and services on a recurring basis, often monthly. An online merchant may offer you a “FREE” or “TRIAL” offer for heavily discounted goods or services and, after the trial period ends, automatically begin charging a recurring fee to your credit card unless you cancel. Make sure to read all terms and conditions before you make a purchase, know when your “trial” offer period ends, monitor your credit card and bank statements for any unauthorized or recurring charges, and, if you discover such charges, demand a refund and contact your bank to stop all future payments.   
   
   
10. Mortgage: Homeowners should be watchful of deed theft scams that prey on those who are having difficulty making their monthly mortgage payments and who may already be in foreclosure.  Individuals and companies often claim that they will make homeowner’s monthly mortgage payments in exchange for temporarily holding the deed to the home — thereby allowing the homeowner to remain in the home as a renter until the homeowner can afford to resume making monthly mortgage payments. In reality, these scammers steal the deed to the home and attempt to evict the homeowner.  Consumers who have been a victim of a scam to transfer their home ownership can file a complaint on the Attorney General’s website.    

Attorney General James reminds consumers that in addition to being vigilant, they should report instances of fraud to her office. Consumers are encouraged to file complaints by completing and submitting a Consumer Frauds Bureau Online Complaint Form or by calling (800) 771-7755. 

Comptroller Stringer Calls on DOE to Reform Shoddy Contracting and Ensure Children Are Protected

Comptroller returned $9.1 billion in school bus contract extensions until DOE explains exploding costs and lack of performance evaluations

Following tragic death caused by DOE school bus, Comptroller once again calls out DOE’s sloppy procurement procedures

  New York City Comptroller Scott M. Stringer sent a letter to Department of Education Chancellor Richard Carranza calling on DOE to reform sloppy procurement procedures that risk children’s health and safety in the wake of a DOE school bus tragically killing a 10-year-old girl. The Comptroller demanded answers about DOE’s persistent refusal to use rigorous and regular performance evaluations to ensure taxpayers are getting the services they pay for and that safety procedures are followed. Comptroller Stringer also raised alarms about DOE’s consistent failure to abide by even the most basic procurement protocols. In December, Comptroller Stringer returned $9.1 billion in school bus contract extensions after DOE failed to satisfactorily explain ballooning spending.

“When it comes to the education of our children, every penny counts. The DOE’s careless approach to managing how our children get to and from school is an outrage, plain and simple,” said New York City Comptroller Scott M. Stringer. “Parents deserve transparency, accountability, and absolute confidence in the buses that transport our children, but the DOE’s rubber-stamp attitude toward procurement jeopardizes our tax dollars and does a massive disservice to our students. The City’s ability to deliver the education students deserve is compromised when precious dollars are doled out to vendors whose performance has not been properly reviewed. I’m calling on DOE to explain its failures and finally reform its contracting policies. New Yorkers are tired of the excuses—our children deserve far better.”

The letter builds on the Comptroller’s record of shining a light on opaque DOE procurement, including audits in 2015 and 2017 revealing pervasive weaknesses in DOE’s contracting procedures and an audit showing DOE fails to adequately track driver suspensions.

To read Comptroller Stringer’s letter to DOE Chancellor Richard Carranza, click here

SENATOR BIAGGI HOSTS MARCH "FIRST FRIDAY" AT THE POINT CDC!

SENATOR ALESSANDRA BIAGGI HOSTS MARCH "FIRST FRIDAY"

AT THE POINT CDC!

Every month, State Senator Alessandra Biaggi will host a "First Friday" – an opportunity to come and spend time with Senator Biaggi, ask questions, and connect with our office.

WHEN: FRIDAY, MARCH 6TH AT 6:00PM – 8:00PM.

WHERE: The POINT CDC, 940 Garrison Avenue, 

Entrance located on Manida Street).

Let us know you are coming by RSVPing here.

DE BLASIO ADMINISTRATION KICKS OFF SECOND ANNUAL CIVICS WEEK WITH STUDENT VOTER REGISTRATION DRIVE

Week of Action will get more students registered and pre-registered to vote ahead of the 2020 elections

The de Blasio Administration kicked off the second annual Civics Week with a Student Voter Registration Drive today at William Cullen Bryant High School in Long Island City. As part of the City’s commitment to increase civic engagement, during Civics Week, DemocracyNYC representatives, the Mayor’s Public Engagement Unit and the Department of Education will register first-time student voters in high schools and colleges across the city from March 2-6.

Deputy Mayor for Strategic Policy Initiatives J. Phillip Thompson, Schools Chancellor Richard A. Carranza, and the Mayor's Public Engagement Unit Director Omar Khan and Councilmember Jimmy van Bramer visited high school students today to discuss the importance of civic engagement and participation in the democratic process.

“Our students are the future leaders of our City, and what we do now to empower them to vote will strengthen our democracy for years to come,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “I encourage all students to register and show up at the polls on Election Day because their voice matters.”

“Our future depends on engaging more youth in the democratic process,” said J. Phillip Thompson, Deputy Mayor for Strategic Policy Initiatives. “With 16- and 17-year-olds now able to pre-register to vote, we are working to ensure as many young people as possible can participate and lead change in our communities and the nation.”

“Across the City, our schools are hosting voter registration drives, participatory budgeting, town halls, and other activities that get students of all ages engaged in the democratic process,” said Schools Chancellor Richard A. Carranza. “I’m thrilled to kick off Civics Week this election year by encouraging as many students as possible to register to vote!”

Civics Week is part of the Department of Education’s Civics for All initiative, which teaches students about the foundations of American government and the democratic process. During Civics Week, students at public schools have the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities, including youth voter registration drives, participatory budgeting for their schools, public speaking competitions, and town halls on issues that matter to them and their communities.

This year, for the first time in New York, 16- and 17-year-olds can pre-register to vote, meaning they will automatically be registered when they turn 18-years-old, allowing more students to participate in future elections.

“Civics Week is a great opportunity to help recruit the next generation of leaders and to engage with young people about the importance of civic participation and voting,” said Laura Wood, DemocracyNYC Special Counsel. “Volunteers from city agencies and community-based organizations will be in high school classrooms in every borough for the next week, encouraging students to become life-long voters and engaged members of their communities.

DemocracyNYC thanks our critical partners for their efforts in this city-wide mobilization to empower youth to join in the democratic process.”

“Our democracy is strongest when it represents everyone, and we take seriously our responsibility to make that a reality for all New Yorkers, including the next generation of voters,” said Mayor’s Public Engagement Unit Director Omar Khan. “I’m proud that we are leading the charge to increase participation in our elections, and that PEU’s proactive outreach efforts will positively impact so many students during this Student Voter Registration Drive.”

“Through initiatives like Civics for All and DemocracyNYC, we not only educate young people on how to have their voices heard but work to empower them,” said the Mayor’s Community Affairs Unit Commissioner Marco A. Carrión. “This city depends on the next generation knowing how to use their power.”

“At the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs, we prioritize community empowerment because we know how critical education about your rights and exercising your voice through civic participation is to realizing a more inclusive, equitable, and just world for all of us,” said Bitta Mostofi, Commissioner of the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs. “Through this Civics Week initiative, we are helping to prepare young New Yorkers from diverse families to fully participate in decisions that will impact their lives and their communities.”

“Civics Week is about supporting youth as they step into their power,” said NYC Chief Service Officer Anusha Venkataraman. “Youth already lead our city and build community to support various causes - from climate justice to ending violence. By registering to vote, young people will not only ensure their voices count now but also develop a lifelong practice of civic engagement.” 

Since the inaugural Student Voter Registration Drive in 2015, tens of thousands of students have been registered to vote at hundreds of high schools throughout New York City. In just the past two years, DemocracyNYC, the Mayor’s Public Engagement Unit and the Department of Education registered nearly 30,000 students.

During this year’s Student Voter Registration Drive, DemocracyNYC and the Mayor’s Public Engagement Unit, in partnership with NYC Votes, will also mobilize a broad coalition of partners, including the Civic Engagement Commission, the Community Affairs Unit, the Department of Youth and Community Development, the Mayor’s Office Immigrant Affairs and community-based organizations such as Dominicanos USA and League of Women Voters to register students to vote in high schools and colleges across the five boroughs.

“Civics Week gives young people the tools to empower themselves and their friends to participate fully in New York City’s democracy,” said Sabrina Castillo, Director of Partnerships and Outreach, New York City Campaign Finance Board. “NYC Votes is committed to providing data and voter registration best practices to these student leaders so they become powerful voting advocates in their communities.”

The next citywide elections in New York City will be the Presidential Primary and the Special Election for the 37^th Council District in Brooklyn on Tuesday, April 28, 2020. The deadline to register to vote for the Presidential Primary is April 3. The state, local and federal Primary Election is on June 23, 2020. The general election is on November 3, 2020. There will be nine days of early voting before all these elections. New Yorkers who need to register to vote can do so through the DMV online, by mail or in-person at a New York City Board of Elections Office. New Yorkers who are interested in registering to vote, need to update their existing registration, or want more information on the upcoming elections can call 311 or visit www.voting.nyc.

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. - Women's History Month

Bronx Borough President

Ruben Diaz Jr.

Invites you on

Thursday, March 5, 2020

5:30 PM - 8:30 PM

Morris Yacht & Beach Club

25 City Island Avenue, Bronx

2020 
Honorees

Ms. Noelle Santos

Entrepreneur/Proprietress

The Lit Bar

**********

Ms. Fatima Shama

Executive Director of

the Fresh Air Fund

**********

WoW

Women of Woodlawn

Ms. Erin Lee, President

Celebrating the 100th Anniversary of Women's Right to Vote 1920 - 2020

Please call to confirm your attendance 718-590-3522 or email lroldan@bronxbp.nyc.gov

Pelham Parkway Neighborhood Association Community Meeting

Pelham Parkway Neighborhood Association Meeting:

When: Tuesday March 10,2020 at 7:15 pm

Where: Bronx House, 990 Pelham Parkway South, Bx NY 10461

Who: Joe Franklin, New York City Board Of Health

Hosted By: P P N A

Attachments area

STATEMENT FROM MAYOR BILL DE BLASIO AND COMMISSIONER BARBOT ON FIRST CORONAVIRUS CASE

Statement from Mayor de Blasio:

"From the beginning, we have said it was a matter of when, not if there would be a positive case of coronavirus in New York. Now our first case has been confirmed. The patient contracted the virus during recent travel and is isolated in her home under close monitoring.  Our health authorities have been in a state of high alert for weeks, and are fully prepared to respond. We will continue to ensure New Yorkers have the facts and resources they need to protect themselves.”

Statement from Health Commissioner Barbot:

“While we hoped this moment wouldn’t come, it was something we prepared for. Our disease detectives have already identified close contacts of the patient, who may have been exposed, and will take appropriate measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Despite this development, New Yorkers remain at low risk for contracting COVID-19. As we confront this emerging outbreak, we need to separate facts from fear, and guard against stigma and panic." 

STATEMENT FROM MAYOR BILL DE BLASIO AND COMMISSIONER BARBOT ON CORONAVIRUS TESTING

Statement from Mayor de Blasio:

"Today, the FDA approved our application to develop our own test for the Coronavirus. That is not the only good news: after asking the CDC for weeks, they have finally sent us new kits that will allow us to run the CDC's test locally. This means we will soon, within the coming week, have the ability to get results back in a matter of hours, not days. Quick detection is vital to stopping the spread of the virus, and this development will help the experts do their job to protect New Yorkers."

Statement from Health Commissioner Barbot:

"We are pleased to learn our advocacy efforts on behalf of New Yorkers have paid off and that we will soon be able to test for COVID-19 here in New York City. Having tests available will significantly reduce the amount of time we have to wait to know whether someone has the virus that causes COVID-19. This is a big step and one that was possible through our strong partnership with the State Health Laboratory."