To protect the public and marketplace, DCA mounts awareness campaigns about hot-button issues; creates and updates consumer and business guides, translating many in multiple languages; convenes public hearings; and recommends legislation to strengthen consumer protections.

DCA Initiatives and Campaigns
DCA's core initiatives and awareness campaigns engage all divisions in advancing two key strategic priorities: educating and empowering consumers and facilitating fair business practices.
   Back-to-School
       Read the press release
       Get Quick Lessons for Back-to-School Shopping
         in  English or Español
       Parents: Get Smart Money Lessons for Your Kids
         in  English or Español

   Consumer Campus
        Get consumer tips targeted to students

   EITC & Tax Tips
  Learn more about the City's Tax Credit Campaign

   Employment Agencies
 Read the press release 
 Watch video clip of DCA's undercover inspection
 Download What You Need to Know about Employment Agencies (in PDF)

   Fake Guns
 Read the press release 
 Get additional information about fake guns [English  Español]

   Home Improvement Contractors
  Get tips for homeowners

   Identity Theft Prevention
 Learn more about DCA's public awareness campaign to prevent identity theft

   Internet Sales
 Learn how to protect yourself when shopping online
 Learn how to protect yourself and your money by avoiding common marketplace scams

   Refund Policies
 Learn your rights and business's responsibility regarding refund policies

   Teen Smoking
 Learn more about DCA's efforts to prevent cigarette sales to minors

Public Hearings
DCA holds exploratory public hearings to gather testimony from consumers, government agencies, community groups, and industry leaders and experts on issues affecting the marketplace, focusing particular attention on industrywide patterns of abuse. DCA uses feedback to develop targeted strategies to protect consumers better. 

     Used Car Dealer Practices
        Read the press release
        Get Quick Car-Buying Tips
        Used Car Sales Consumer Guide (in PDF)
        False Advertising: How to Spot It and
          Read the Fine Print (in PDF)

     Process Server Practices
        Read the press release

Testimony and Comments
DCA advocates for policies and legislation to protect consumers from unfair and deceptive practices. Read DCA's comments on key issues: 

      Consumer Financial Products Regulation
        Read Commissioner Mintz's written testimony

      Consumer Banking Products
        Read Commissioner Mintz's testimony

      Foreclosure and Mortgage Rescue Scams
        Read House Judiciary Committee testimony

      Reform of Overdraft Regulations
        Read comments to the Federal Reserve System

      City Council Oversight Hearing on Rent-to-Own
      Retailers in New York City
        Read Commissioner Mintz's testimony

      Disclosure Requirements in Lender Advertising
        Read DCA/OFE's comments regarding
          credit card and bank practices;
          overdraft fees; credit card products

      Guidelines in Marketing Environmentally
                                                Friendly Products
                                                 Read DCA's comments to FTC

                                                Marketing Standards for Energy Service
                                                Companies
                                                   Read DCA's comments to PSC
                                            Read PSC's response to DCA/CPB petition
                                            Read DCA/CPB petition to PSC

                                         Exempt Income Protection Act
                                                  Read Statement by Commissioner Mintz