Consumer Department Delivers
The Department of Consumer Protection fights hard to ensure a fair and equitable marketplace for consumers.
Find a home contractor
In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, read our tips on how to select a contractor to avoid being gouged. Do your homework before you hire a home improvement contractor and avoid problems with home improvements. Find out if the contractor is licensed and avoid hiring renegade renovators.
Sandy service interruption refunds
Consumers who lost telephone, cable, satellite or other services due to Hurricane Sandy may be entitled to credit or a waiver of extra fees from their providers. However, you must check with your service provider.
Our office has moved
Our office is located at 148 Martine Avenue, Room 407, White Plains, NY 10601. Check our office hours and if you need assistance, call us at (914) 995-2155.
Check out our comprehensive financial education section, with the downturn in the economy and the housing crisis you may find helpful information. View these short videos on personal financial management skills.
Another initiative is Senior Crime Busters. This one-hour, elder fraud protection program, which is available to your group, provides tips on how seniors can stay safe and avoid financial exploitation. Senior citizens should also beware of the "grandson" scam.
We have so much going on:
- Home improvement contractors are #1 on our “Top 10 List” of consumer complaints. We continue to crack down on unlicensed contractors, enforcing a law that allows the county police to seize the assets of these contractors.
- First-time home improvement applicant must pass a written exam prior to submitting a license application.
- Looking to join a health club? Read our tips before you sign up.
- Take simple steps to avoid A.T.M. fraud.
- Home heating oil information.
- Westchester County Local Law (4723-2011) adopted by the Westchester County Board of Legislators effective June 9, 2012, requires that gasoline retailers who offer “two tier” pricing (cash price vs. debit/credit price) to display all tiers of pricing when utilizing street side price signs.
- Gas saving tips can help you alleviate the pain at gas stations.
- Energy efficiency measures can help you save on energy costs and protect the environment.
- Changes to the item pricing law will protect consumers and offer business relief from price marking every item individually. Amendments allowing for waivers of the county’s item pricing law took effect on June 27, 2010.
- Business owners can complete an item pricing waiver application and forward it to the Department of Consumer Protection.
- Read about consumer protections under the Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act of 2009 (“CARD”).
- County restricts sale and use of phosphorous fertilizer.
- Phosphorous fertilizer law has specific requirements for landscapers and persons and businesses which sell fertilizer.
- Check licensing information for electricians and plumbers before you hire one.
- File a complaint online or by mail in English or Spanish if you have a problem.
- Vea información en español.