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Consumer Resources

Federal Agencies

Many federal agencies have enforcement and/or complaint resolution duties for products and services used by the general public. Others act for the benefit of the public, but do not resolve individual consumer problems.

In addition, these agencies produce fact sheets, booklets and other information which consumers might find helpful when making purchasing decisions and dealing with consumer problems. Consumers who wish to contact these federal agencies electronically may do so through their websites and/or e-mail addresses which are listed below. Teletypewriter (TTY) numbers for text telephones are also listed for individuals with speech or hearing impairments. To find the nearest local office, look in the telephone directory under "U.S. Government," which is usually in the blue pages.

Consumers who are unsure as to whom they should contact about specific concerns and issues may contact the New York State Consumer Protection Board: 1-800-697-1220 (toll-free) or 518-474-8583 or visit the website at http://www.nysconsumer.gov. Consumers may also contact the Federal Information Center (FIC) toll free: 1-800-688-9889.

Comptroller of the Currency

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) charters, regulates, and supervises national banks to ensure a safe, sound, and competitive banking system that supports the citizens, communities, and economy of the United States.

For more information, contact:

Office of the Comptroller
Consumer Assistance Unit
1-800-613-6743

Comptroller of the Currency
250 E. Street Southwest
Washington, D.C. 20219-0001
General Information: 202-874-5000
www.occ.treas.gov


Consumer Product Safety Commission

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is an independent federal regulatory agency that was created in 1972 by Congress in the Consumer Product Safety Act. In that law, Congress directed the Commission to "protect the public against unreasonable risks of injuries and deaths associated with consumer products."
This agency has jurisdiction over approximately 15,000 types of consumer products, including toys and lawn mowers. The CPSC works to reduce the risk of injuries and deaths from consumer products by: (1) developing voluntary standards with the industry; (2) issuing and enforcing mandatory standards; (3) banning consumer products if no feasible standard would adequately protect the public; (4) obtaining the recall of products or arranging for their repair; (5) conducting research on potential product hazards; and (6) informing and educating consumers through the media, state and local governments, private organizations, and by responding to consumer inquiries. For more information, contact:

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
4330 East West Highway
Bethesda, MD 20814
Consumer Hotline: 1-800-638-2772
Hotline TTY for the Hearing Impaired: 1-800 638 8270
General Information: 301-504-7923 M-F 8:00 am - 4:30 pm ET
Fax: 301-504-0124/0125
Send emails to: info@cpsc.gov
www.cpsc.gov

Consumers may subscribe to the CPSC's recall alert to be notified by e-mail of any product recalls. To subscribe, consumers should complete a request on the CPSC subscription page.

Federal Communications Commission

The mission of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is to encourage competition in all communications markets and to protect the public interest. In response to direction from the Congress, the FCC develops and implements policy concerning interstate and international communications by radio, television, wire, satellite, and cable TV.

The Common Carrier Bureau focuses on domestic wire line telephone. The Mass Media Bureau regulates television and radio broadcasts. The Wireless Bureau oversees wireless services such as private radio, cellular telephone, personal communications service, and pagers.

The Cable Services Bureau regulates cable television and related services. The International Bureau regulates international and satellite communications. The Compliance and Information Bureau investigates violations and answers questions. The Office of Engineering and Technology evaluates technologies and equipment.

The FCC also addresses consumer complaints regarding wireless telecommunication services, cable television services, and interstate and international telecommunication services. Consumers may file a complaint by e-mailing fccinfo@fcc.gov, by calling 1-888-CALL-FCC or by writing to:

Federal Communications Commission
Consumer Information Bureau
Consumer Complaints
445 12th Street, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20554

General Information
Federal Communications Commission
1919 M Street, NW
Washington, D.C. 20554
1-888-225-5322
TTY: 1-888-835 5322
Fax: 1-866-418 0232
www.fcc.gov

Federal Reserve System

The Federal Reserve System is the central bank of the United States. It was founded by Congress in 1913 to provide the nation with a safer, more flexible, and more stable monetary and financial system. Over the years, its role in banking and the economy has expanded. There are seven members of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (Board) who are nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate. The Chairman and the Vice Chairman of the Board are named by the President from among the members. They serve a term of four years. A member's term on the Board is not affected by his or her status as Chairman or Vice Chairman.

Today, the Federal Reserve's duties fall into four general areas: (1) conducting the nation's monetary policy; (2) supervising and regulating banking institutions and protecting the credit rights of consumers; (3) maintaining the stability of the financial system; and, (4) providing certain financial services to the U.S. government, the public, financial institutions, and foreign official institutions. The Board handles complaints about state-chartered banks and trust companies which are members of the Federal Reserve System. For more information, contact:

Federal Reserve System
Board of Governors
20th Street and C Street NW
Washington, D.C. 20551
1-888-851-1920

Federal Reserve Bank of New York
33 Liberty Street
New York, NY 10045
212-720-5000
www.ny.frb.org

Federal Trade Commission

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) enforces a variety of federal antitrust and consumer protection laws. The Commission seeks to ensure that the nation's markets function competitively, and are vigorous, efficient, and free of undue restrictions. The Commission also works to enhance the operation of the marketplace by eliminating acts or practices that are unfair or deceptive.

If the FTC believes a violation of the law occurred, it may attempt to obtain voluntary compliance by entering into a consent order with the company. A company that signs a consent order need not admit that it violated the law, but it must agree to stop the disputed practices outlined in an accompanying complaint.

If a consent agreement cannot be reached, the FTC may issue an administrative complaint. A formal proceeding similar to a court trial begins before an administrative law judge. Evidence is submitted, testimony is heard, and witnesses are examined and cross-examined. If a violation is found, an order to cease or desist or other appropriate relief may be issued. Initial decisions by administrative law judges may be appealed to the full Commission.

In some circumstances, the FTC can go directly to court to obtain an injunction, civil penalties, or consumer redress. This usually happens in cases of ongoing consumer fraud. By going directly to court, the FTC can stop the fraud before too many consumers are injured. For more information, contact:

Consumer Response Center
Federal Trade Commission
600 Pennsylvania Avenue, Room 240 NW
Washington, D.C. 20580
1-877-FTC-HELP
www.consumer.gov

U.S. Federal Trade Commission
600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, D.C. 20580
Tel: 202-326-2222
www.ftc.gov

Northeast Region
Federal Trade Commission
1 Bowling Green
New York, NY 10004
For Consumer Complaint Calls: 1-877-382-4357

Food and Drug Administration

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) job is to see that the food consumers eat is safe and wholesome, the cosmetics consumers use are not harmful, the medicines and medical devices consumers use are safe and effective, and that radiation-emitting products such as microwave ovens will not harm consumers. The FDA also has jurisdiction over feed and drugs for pets and farm animals. In addition, the FDA ensures that all of these products are labeled truthfully with the information that people need to use them properly. For more information, contact:

Main Office
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
5600 Fishers Lane
Rockville, MD 20857
1-888 463 6332
For Emergencies: 301-443-1240
e mail: execsec@oc.fda.gov

Food Safety and Applied Nutrition
Food and Drug Administration
Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition Hotline: 1-800-332-4010 (noon to 4:00 ET)
www.fda.gov

New York District Office
Food and Drug Administration
158-15 Liberty Avenue
Jamaica, NY 11433
718-340 7000
Fax: 718-622 5665
Serves: New York City, Long Island (Nassau & Suffolk Counties), Westchester and Rockland

Northeast Buffalo District Office
Food and Drug Administration
300 Pearl Street, Suite 100
Buffalo, NY 14202
716-551 4461
Fax: 716-551 4470
Serves all of New York (except Metro New York City)

National Credit Union Administration

The National Credit Union Administration is an independent federal agency supervising and insuring 8,049 federal credit unions and 2,848 state-chartered credit unions. It is entirely funded by credit unions and receives no tax dollars. For more information, contact:

National Credit Union Administration
1775 Duke Street
Alexandria, VA 22314-3428
703-518-6300
www.ncua.gov

NCUA Region I Office
9 Washington Square
Washington Avenue Extension
Albany, NY 12205
518-862-7400
Fax: 518-862-7420
e-mail: Region1@ncua.gov

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has 10 regional offices that work to save lives, prevent injuries, and reduce traffic-related expenditures and other economic costs. Each regional office provides numerous services to its assigned states, as well as other public and private sector customers. These services include, but are not limited to, offering technical assistance, promoting legislation, administering the agency's grant-fund programs, assisting in coalition building, and delivering training. For more information, contact:

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
400 Seventh Street, SW
Washington, D.C. 20590
Auto Safety Hotline: 1-888 327 4236
Public and Consumer Affairs: 202 366 9550

NHTSA Region II
222 Mamaroneck Avenue Suite 204
White Plains, NY 10605
914 682 6162
Fax: 914 682 6239
e-mail: region2@nhtsa.dot.gov
Serving: New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands

Office of Thrift Supervision

The Office of Thrift Supervision (OTS) regulates and examines the operations of savings and loan institutions. OTS handles complaints about federal savings and loans, as well as federal savings banks. For more information, contact:

Office of Thrift Supervision
1700 G Street, NW
Washington, D.C. 20552
202-906-6000
Consumer Complaint Line: 1-800-842-6929
Fax: 202-906-7342
www.ots.treas.gov

All complaints must include the complainant's signature and must be in reference to an OTS regulated institution.

Securities and Exchange Commission

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is an independent, nonpartisan, quasi-judicial regulatory agency charged with the responsibility of administering the federal securities laws. The purpose of these laws is to protect investors in securities markets and to ensure that investors have access to all material information concerning publicly-traded securities. The Commission regulates firms engaged in the purchase or sale of securities, people who provide investment advice, and investment companies. For more information, contact:

SEC Headquarters
100 F Street, NE
Washington, D.C. 20549
202-942-8088
e-mail: help@sec.gov
www.sec.gov

New York Regional Office
Mark Schonfeld, Regional Director
3 World Financial Center, Rm. 4-300
New York, NY 10281-1022
212-336-1100
e-mail: newyork@sec.gov
State jurisdiction: New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania

U.S. Department of Transportation

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) serves the United States by ensuring a fast, safe, efficient, accessible and convenient transportation system that meets our vital national interests and enhances our quality of life, today and into the future. For more information, contact:

U.S. Department of Transportation
1200 New Jersey Ave, SE
Washington, DC 20590
202-366-4000
www.dot.gov


New York State Agencies

State Consumer Protection Board (CPB)

The Consumer Protection Board, established in 1970 by the New York State Legislature, is the State's top consumer watchdog and "think tank." The CPB's core mission is to protect New Yorkers by publicizing unscrupulous and questionable business practices and product recalls; conducting investigations and hearings; enforcing the "Do Not Call Law"; researching issues; developing legislation; creating consumer education programs and materials; responding to individual marketplace complaints by securing voluntary agreements; and representing the interests of consumers before the Public Service Commission (PSC) and other State and federal agencies.

The CPB is organized into three main bureaus or divisions:

(1) The Outreach and Program Development (OPD) Bureau develops comprehensive consumer education programs and brochures on issues such as identity theft, Internet safety, credit card management, fuel oil deliveries and home improvement. This bureau is inclusive of the Consumer Assistance Unit (CAU) which takes complaints five days a week, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. via a toll free helpline @ 1-800-697-1220 and twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week via the web @ www.nysconsumer.gov. The CAU mediates and resolves more than 15,000 complaints a year on a variety of topics including product refunds and returns, credit card disputes, Internet services, fuel oil delivery, home improvement, and identity theft.

(2) The Counsel, Policy and Research Bureau is responsible for the Agency's legal functions, including enforcement of the New York State Do Not Call Law; management of the Security Breach Notification law as it applies to the CPB; implementation of our legislative programs; conducting investigations; developing policy; filing comments on State and federal consumer issues; conducting public hearings; and collaborating with federal and local consumer protection agencies. This bureau includes the Public Information Unit which is responsible for cultivating media partnerships, issuing press releases and disseminating CPB consumer messages and alerts.

(3) The Utility, Telecommunications and New Technologies Bureau intervenes on behalf of consumers regarding utility-related matters before the Public Service Commission (PSC), federal regulators and the New York Independent Systems Operator. This bureau also fields consumer complaints about the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) since these complaints are not addressed by the PSC. Additionally, the bureau focuses on matters relating to new technologies, landline and wireless telecommunications, as well as radio frequency, satellite, and broadband communication.

The CPB empowers and advocates for consumers using a variety of tools and train-the-trainer presentations and offers a multitude of resources on a myriad of consumer issues for individuals and businesses. The CPB continues to strengthen New York's consumer protection laws, thus providing additional remedies and rights for consumers and strengthening the marketplace. For more information, contact:

New York State Consumer Protection Board
5 Empire State Plaza, Suite 2101
Albany, NY 12223 1556
518 474 8583
Toll free: 1-800-697-1220
http://www.nysconsumer.gov

NYC Regional Office
NYS Consumer Protection Board
1740 Broadway, 15th Floor
New York, New York 10019
212-459-8850

Department of Law

The New York State Attorney General serves as the primary prosecutor for crimes committed against citizens of the State of New York and as the defender of State agencies and officials. The role of the Attorney General as "public guardian" includes duties as chief protector for consumers, investors, and the environment. In addition, the Attorney General's office enforces the civil rights of New York's citizens, protects working men and women, and regulates charitable organizations and certain real estate transactions.

NYS Attorney General
The Capitol
Albany, NY 12224 7330
518-474 7330
www.oag.state.ny.us

Consumer Helpline: 1-800 771 7755
Crime Victims Hotline: 1-800 771-7755
Medicaid Fraud Control Unit: 212 417 5397
Environmental Crimes: 1-800 771-7755

NYS Attorney General Regional Offices

New York City Regional Office
120 Broadway
New York, NY 10271 0332
212-416 8000

Buffalo Regional Office
Main Place Tower
350 Main Street, Suite 300a
Buffalo, NY 14202 3473
716-853 8400

Binghamton Regional Office
44 Hawley Street, 17th Floor
Binghamton, NY 13901 4433
607-721 8778

Brooklyn Regional Office
55 Hansen Place
Brooklyn, NY 11217-1523
718-722-3949

Harlem Regional Office
163 West 125th Street
New York, New York 10027
212-961 4475

Mineola Regional Office
200 Old Country Rd, Suite 460
Mineola, NY 11501-4241
516-248 3302

Plattsburgh Regional Office
43 Durkee Street, Suite 700
Plattsburgh, NY 12901
518-562 3282

Poughkeepsie Regional Office
235 Main Street, 3rd Floor
Poughkeepsie, NY 12601-3194
845-485-3900

Rochester Regional Office
144 Exchange Blvd., 2nd Floor
Rochester, NY 14614-2176
585-546 7430

Suffolk Regional Office
300 Motor Parkway, Suite 205
Hauppauge, NY 11788-5127
631-231 2400

Syracuse Regional Office
615 Erie Blvd.West, Suite 102
Syracuse, NY 13204
315-448 4800

Utica Regional Office
207 Genesee Street, Room 508
Utica, NY 13501-2812
315-793 2225

Watertown Regional Office
317 Washington Street
Watertown, NY 13601-3744
315-785 2444

White Plains Regional Office
101 East Post Road
White Plains, NY 10601
914-422 8755

Department of Agriculture and Markets

The mission of the Department of Agriculture and Markets is to foster a competitive food and agriculture industry that benefits producers and consumers alike. Agriculture makes up one-quarter of the State's land area and contributes immensely to the quality of life in New York State by generating economic activity and producing wholesome products to nourish our families. For more information, contact 1-800-554-4501, or visit the Agency's website.

Department of Banking

It is "the policy of the State of New York that the business of all banking organizations shall be supervised and regulated through the banking department in such manner as to ensure the safe and sound conduct of such business, to conserve their assets, to prevent hoarding of money, to eliminate unsound and destructive competition among such banking organizations and thus to maintain public confidence in such business and protect the public interest and the interests of depositors, creditors, shareholders and stockholders."

The mission of the Banking Department is to allow the financial industry to expand and prosper through judicious regulation and vigilant supervision and to educate and protect consumers while promoting economic growth and ensuring that the financial system is safe and accessible to all. For more information, contact:

Superintendent of Banks
New York State Banking Department
1 State Street
New York, NY 10004
1-800 522 3330
1-877-BANK-NYS

Albany Office
80 South Swan Street, Suite 1157
Albany, NY 12210-8003
1-877-5697

Upstate Office
333 East Washington Street
Syracuse, NY 13202
315-428 4049

Department of Health

The Department of Health (DOH) is responsible for administration and enforcement of the Public Health Law and State Sanitary Code. The DOH has regulatory authority over all health care facilities and general supervision of all local health authorities. The DOH provides aid for public health work conducted by counties and cities and is the agency designated for administering federal monies allotted for health work under the Social Security Act and other federal authorizations. For more information, contact:

NYS Department of Health
5 Empire State Plaza
Albany, NY 12237

Division of Human Rights

New York has the proud distinction of being the first State in the nation to enact a Human Rights Law, which affords every citizen "an equal opportunity to enjoy a full and productive life." This law prohibits discrimination in employment, housing, credit, places of public accommodations, and non-sectarian educational institutions based on age, race, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, military status, and other specified classes.

The New York State Division of Human Rights was created to enforce this important law. The mission of the agency is to ensure that "every individual . . . has an equal opportunity to participate fully in the economic, cultural and intellectual life of the State." It does so in many ways, including the following:

For more information, contact:

New York State Division of Human Rights
One Fordham Plaza, 4th Floor
Bronx, NY 10458
718-741-8400

Insurance Department

The New York State Insurance Department is responsible for supervising and regulating all insurance business in New York State. The Department's mission is to ensure the continued sound and prudent conduct of insurers' financial obligations; protect policyholders from financially impaired or insolvent insurers; eliminate fraud, other criminal abuse and unethical conduct in the industry; and foster growth of the insurance industry in the State. The Department carries out its regulatory function by determining qualifications of insurers, regulating rates, certain retirement systems and pension funds, reviewing policy holder complaints and approving corporate formations, mergers, and consolidations among other duties.

The Consumer Services Division of the Department processes consumer complaints against insurance companies, agents, brokers and adjusters, answers inquiries concerning insurance, and performs certain investigative activities. For more information, contact:

Insurance Department Main Office
25 Beaver Street
New York, NY 10004
212-480-6400
Insurance Frauds Bureau: 212-480-6074
Insurance Frauds Hotline: 1-888-FRAUD-NY (1-888-372-8369)
Consumer Services Bureau: 1-800 342 3736

Coastal Homeowners Insurance Hotline:
Consumers: 1-800-300-4593
Agents and Brokers: 1-800-300-4576

Albany Office
Empire State Plaza, Bldg. 1
Albany, NY 12257
Phone: 518-474-6600

Buffalo Office
Walter Mahoney Office Building
65 Court Street
Buffalo, NY 14202
Consumer Services: 716-847-7618
Insurance Frauds: 716-847-7622

Oneonta Office
28 Hill Street, Room 210
Oneonta, NY 13820
Insurance Frauds: 607-433-3628

Long Island Office
163 Old Country Road
Mineola, NY 11501
Consumer Services: 516-248-5886
Insurance Frauds: 516-248-5870

Rochester Office
189 N. Water Street
Rochester, NY 14604
Insurance Frauds: 585-325-3274

Syracuse Office
620 Erie Blvd West, Suite 105
Syracuse, NY 13204
Insurance Frauds: 315-423-1102


Office of Mental Health

The Office of Mental Health is the State agency creating opportunities for children and adults who have psychiatric disabilities to safely and effectively work toward recovery. For more information, contact:

44 Holland Avenue
Albany, NY 12229
Customer Relations: 1-800-597-8481
http://www.omh.state.ny.us
e-mail: webadmin@omh.state.ny.us

Public Service Commission

The Public Service Commission (PSC) is responsible for setting energy rates and ensuring that adequate service is provided by New York's utilities. The PSC regulates electricity, gas, steam, telecommunications, water, and cable television. Consumers with complaints should first seek the assistance of the utility company-which is required by law to provide assistance. If the help received is unsatisfactory, the PSC's Consumer Service staff will investigate the complaint.

The PSC's Office of Consumer Services will conduct an investigation of the complaint and notify consumers in writing or by telephone of the decision, the reasons for the decision, and actions that may be taken. While the complaint is at the Commission, consumers must pay the full amount of the charges not in dispute or the service may be terminated by the utility. For more information, contact:

Public Service Commission
3 Empire State Plaza
Albany, NY 12223
518 474-7080
Consumer Services Line: 1-800-342-3377
Gas, Electric Shut-off: 1-800-342-3355
Energy Service Company (ESCO) Complaints 1-888-697-7728

Ellicott Square Building
295 Main Street, 8th Floor
Buffalo, NY 14203
716-847-3941

90 Church Street, 4th Floor
New York, NY 10007-2919
212-417-2378

Department of State

The Department of State houses a variety of programs designed to serve New York's businesses and consumers. Much of the work done at the Department is with local governments. The Office of Local Government Services includes the Division of Coastal Resources and Waterfront Revitalization, Office of Fire Prevention and Control, Division of Code Enforcement and Administration, Division of Community Services Block Grants, and Office of Regional Affairs. The Department of State licenses more than 650,000 individuals, including the real estate and cosmetology industries, private investigators, and notaries. The Office of Business and Licensing Services interacts extensively with the State's business community and consists of the Division of Corporations, State Records and Uniform Commercial Code, the Division of Cemeteries, the Division of Licensing Services, and the Division of Information Services. For more information, contact:

NYS Department of State
99 Washington Avenue, Suite 1100
Albany, NY 12231
Phone: 518-474 0050
Fax: 518-474 4765
e mail: info@dos.state.ny.us


Local Governmental Consumer and Business-Oriented Agencies

City and County Consumer Affairs Offices

Several of New York's sixty-two counties and some of its cities have established their own consumer affairs offices. Check this manual's Appendix D for a listing of local consumer affairs offices.

Better Business Bureaus

Better Business Bureaus (BBBs) are private, non profit organizations supported largely by membership dues paid by business and professional groups in various service areas. The BBB provides many services including:

For more information, contact:

Better Business Bureau
National Website: www.bbb.org
New York State Website: www.newyork.bbb.org

Better Business Bureau of Metropolitan New York and Long Island
399 Conklin Street
Farmingdale, NY 11735 (for Long Island)

Or

257 Park Avenue South
New York, NY 10010-7384
212-533-6200
Fax: 516-420-1095
Fax: 212-477-4912
longisland@newyork.bbb.org
inquiry@newyork.bbb.org

Better Business Bureau of Mid Hudson
150 White Plains Road, Suite 107
Tarrytown, NY 10591-5521
914-333-0550
Fax: 914-333-7519
mhinquiries@newyork.bbb.org

Better Business Bureau of Upstate New York
741 Delaware Ave, Suite 100
Buffalo, NY 14209-2201
716-881-5222
Fax: 716-883-5349
http://upstateny.bbb.org

Cornell Cooperative Extension

Cornell Cooperative Extension is a statewide educational organization, funded by national, state and county governments, which helps New Yorkers apply research based knowledge. The educational programs offered by this organization include:

Visit Cornell Cooperative Extension online at: www.cce.cornell.edu

For a complete list of local Cooperative Extensions, refer to this Manual's Appendix C. 

Last Modified: April 28, 2011