Auto Information
DCA licenses Secondhand Auto Dealers, Tow Truck Companies, and Tow Truck Drivers and enforces the Consumer Protection Law. Get tips when dealing with an auto business.
Auto Rental and Repair Guide
Towing Services Guide
Check if a tow truck company is licensed
Used Car Sales Guide
Used Car Sales Tips in English    Español
Check if a used car dealer is licensed 

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Bed Bug Information
Learn how to prevent bed bug infestations, and safely control them when they occur.
Visit the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene for important information

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Debt Collection Information
Any business collecting debts from New York City residents must be licensed by DCA. Learn what to do when you receive a notice from a debt collector.
Debt Collection Guide in   
    English   Español   中文   Kreyòl Ayisyen 
    한국어   Русский
Check if a debt collection agency is licensed
Information for Consumers: Money Judgments and Frozen Bank Accounts
Learn about the NYS Security Freeze Law 

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Debt Settlement Services—Information and Tips
Over your head in debt? Struggling to pay your bills? Beware of services that claim they can eliminate or “settle” your debts. In the majority of cases, debt settlement does not work and can cost you thousands of dollars in fees, leaving you even further in debt.
Get tips to protect your money in
                                                  English    Español    中文

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Electronics—Buying and Selling Electronics
This two-part business/consumer guide focuses on electronics retailing. It includes the rights and responsibilities of electronics dealers. Consumers receive advice on how to get the best possible deal when buying electronic equipment.
Learn more
Attention Shoppers: Get tips when shopping for electronics
Check if an electronics store is licensed
 

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Employment Agency Information
Learn your rights when it comes to using employment agencies. The guide is available in English, Spanish, Russian, Hindi, Haitian Creole, traditional Chinese, Bengali, and Korean.
What You Need to Know about Employment Agencies
Check if an employment agency is licensed
Model Contract (English) or Contrato (Español)
Model Receipt (English) or Recibo (Español)
NY Law (in English and Español) 
Domestic or Household Workers: Statement of Employee Rights and Employer Responsibilities (English) or Empleados domésticos:Declaración de derechos del empleado y responsabilidades del empleador (Español)

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Funeral Planning Guide
This guide helps you deal with the important details that must be taken care of immediately after someone passes away and includes a checklist of common charges.
Learn more
 

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Home Improvement Information
Contractors performing home improvement work in New York City that costs more than $200 must be licensed by DCA. Learn what you should know before—and after—hiring a home improvement contractor.
Home Improvement Guide
Home Improvement Tips 
Check if a home improvement contractor or salesperson is licensed
Model Contract
Information about required Buildings permits
Learn more

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Immigration Assistance Service Providers
In one complete guide, learn what an immigration assistance service provider can and cannot do; read about Executive Order 41 which protects people seeking City services; review an immigration assistance service model contract; and learn the differences between a Notario Público and a Notary Public.
NEW: Download the guide
Tips when using an immigration assistance service provider in   English    Español    বাংলা     中文
Kreyòl Ayisyen    한국어    Русский
                                                Sample Contract

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Notario Público
In some Spanish-speaking countries, a Notario Público is a trained legal advisor. But in the United States, a Notary Public is NOT a trained legal advisor. The palm card describes the differences, and is available in English and Spanish.
Notarios/Notary Publics Palm Card

 

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Tips about Payday Loans
Payday loans are illegal in New York. A payday loan is a high-interest loan borrowed against your next paycheck. In New York State, most payday loans are handled by phone or online.
Get tips in English   Español   中文  Русский
Money Worries? Speak with a free Financial Empowerment Center counselor to help you take control

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Prescription Drugs
Under New York State Law, pharmacists must dispense all drugs as prescribed by doctors. If your doctor prescribes a generic drug, the pharmacy cannot substitute it with a more expensive brand-name drug. Read the Generic Drugs consumer guide and review information from government resources.
Generic Drugs: How to Save Money on Prescription Drugs
Health Insurance Counseling Assistance Program (provided by the New York City Department of Aging)
How-to Guide for Medicare Recipients (provided by the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging)
Prescription Drug Prices (provided by the New York State Department of Health)

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Scams
Learn about common scams and ways you can avoid them.
False Advertising: How to Spot It
Identity Theft Tips [English or Español] 
Internet Scams  
Problem with Payday Loans

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Shopping Smarts
Become a savvy consumer by following DCA’s smart shopping tips.
Back-to-School Shopping Lessons
   [English or Español]
Important Information about Refunds
Be a Savvy Senior
Shopping by Phone or Mail
Smart Shopping Tips 
Supermarket Shopping 

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Tax Preparation
If you plan on using a tax preparer to file your taxes, know your rights and tax preparers’ responsibilities to ensure a fair deal.
Download the Tax Preparation Services consumer guide
Download the Consumer Bill of Rights Regarding Tax Preparers in
    English    Español    العربية    বাংলা    中文 
    Kreyòl Ayisyen    한국어    Русский
 Palm card with tax preparation tips
   [English or Español]
 

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