The New York State Department of State Division of Consumer Protection engages the public in its advocacy campaigns and works with diverse communities to achieve advancements in consumer protection. For example, after the Division launched its citizen-based Campaign for Change to address unfair credit card industry practices, important reforms were enacted by Congress and signed into law by President Obama in May 2009.
Active Surveys and Campaigns
The 4 R's: Refunds, Rebates, Rainchecks, & Recalls
The Division recruits Consumer Crusaders who report on their shopping experiences regarding refunds, rebates, rainchecks and recalls. The Division wants to make sure that consumers are getting fair treatment when spending their hard-earned money.
Your report or score card will help us strengthen consumer protections in the marketplace.
Past Campaigns:
Stretch Your Dollar Effort (SYDE)
The Division launched a campaign on behalf of consumers who are trying to make their dollar go further during these times of financial constraint and economic hardship. The Division's Stretching Your Dollars Effort encourages consumers to share their money-saving strategies with their fellow New Yorkers by submitting them to the Division, which then shares the ideas with the public. These tips are accepted in written, audio or video formats. Read compiled tips and learn how to share your money saving ideas tips by visiting the Money Saving Tips page.
Keeping the Credit Card Market Honest
The Division encouraged consumers to complete a Credit Card Reform Survey and/or e-mail their personal stories about credit card experiences and company performance, as the Division tracked credit card industry practices. Read the press release of the results of the Survey.
Campaign for Change: Credit Card Reform
On May 22, 2009, President Obama signed into law the Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure (CARD) Act of 2009, which affords consumers with sweeping protections from abusive credit card practices. The Division was a key advocate in the advancement of this landmark legislation.
Read about this campaign and the provisions in the new law on the Choosing and Using a Credit Card page.