Consumer Frauds and Protection Bureau – New York, NY

NYS Attorney General: Consumer Frauds Bureau

Bureau Function

The Consumer Frauds and Protection Bureau is a key division within the Office of the New York State Attorney General. Located at 28 Liberty Street in the Financial District, this bureau is dedicated to shielding New Yorkers from deceptive, fraudulent, and illegal business practices. It serves as the primary mediator between consumers and businesses, handling thousands of complaints annually regarding defective products, false advertising, and service disputes.

Key Areas of Protection

The Bureau investigates and prosecutes violations across various industries:

• Price Gouging: Monitoring and penalizing excessive price increases during emergencies.
• Scams: Investigating predatory lending, telemarketing fraud, and internet scams.
• Tenant Rights: Addressing issues related to security deposits and illegal lease terms.
• Mediation: Offering a voluntary dispute resolution process to help consumers obtain refunds or corrective action without going to court.

Filing a Complaint

While the office is located at 28 Liberty Street, the most efficient way to interact with the Bureau is through their online complaint portal or the consumer helpline. Physical walk-ins are less common than digital submissions, but the office does maintain a presence for public inquiries. Consumers are encouraged to file detailed written complaints with supporting documentation (receipts, contracts) to initiate an investigation.

Location

The Bureau is housed within the Attorney General’s downstate headquarters at 28 Liberty Street (formerly One Chase Manhattan Plaza), a prominent skyscraper in Lower Manhattan.