DCA Press Releases

DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS FINDS ONE IN THREE FUNERAL HOMES VIOLATE NEW YORKERS’ RIGHT TO PRIVATELY REVIEW PRICING INFORMATION WITHOUT HIGH PRESSURE SALES TACTICS

Tue, 01 May 2012 10:29:00 EDT

Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) Commissioner Jonathan Mintz today announced that after conducting more than 400 in-person and 50 undercover telephone inspections of funeral homes, DCA found that one in three were violating New Yorkers’ right to privately review pricing information without high pressure sales tactics. The two-month investigation focused on compliance with City laws that give consumers the right to compare funeral prices and services either without having to leave their homes or talk face-to-face with anyone. Funeral homes in New York City must provide all prices by phone upon request and make full price lists readily available at the entrances to funeral homes. DCA issued more than 325 violations, 94 percent of which were for violating these consumer rights. The funeral homes could face close to $400,000 in fines to the City.

DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS COMMISSIONER MINTZ ENCOURAGES NEW YORKERS TO CLAIM THEIR EARNED INCOME TAX CREDIT REFUNDS WITH APRIL 17TH TAX DEADLINE FAST APPROACHING

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 11:10:00 EDT

With one month left until the April 17th tax deadline, Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) Commissioner Jonathan Mintz encourages New Yorkers who make less than $49,078 and haven't yet claimed their Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) refunds to file their taxes using the City's free or low cost filing options.

DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS DECLARES PREDATORY SCHOOLS TOP FRAUD OF THE YEAR

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 09:46:00 EST

Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) Commissioner Jonathan Mintz today declared predatory schools the top fraud of the year. Unlicensed and unaccredited schools and some GED, certificate and associate degree programs lure potential students by making false promises such as guaranteed job placement or internships, and six-figure incomes. Some also fail to disclose whether or not credits will transfer or that the financial aid that students receive are actually loans, which and can total tens of thousands of dollars and must be paid back with interest. DCA cautions consumers about these schools and encourages them to know their rights and to contact 311 or visit nyc.gov if they have had a negative experience and would like to file a complaint. Commissioner Mintz made the announcement at a press conference with the Federal Trade Commission, the Better Business Bureau and other Federal and State agencies and organizations in order to alert New York area consumers to the top consumer complaints of the past year and to educate them on how to avoid becoming victims of these and other scams in 2012.

NEW YORK CITY DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS ANNOUNCES TAX TIME ENFORCEMENT SWEEP RESULTS: ISSUES VIOLATIONS TO ONE IN THREE TAX PREPARERS

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 10:56:00 EST

Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) Commissioner Jonathan Mintz today announced the results of a two-week long enforcement sweep of income tax preparers throughout the City. DCA conducted close to 850 inspections Citywide and issued violations to one in three income tax preparers for violations of consumer protection laws. The Department issued more than 1,000 violations to tax preparers who misrepresented their qualifications, violated consumer rights, or illegally advertised refund anticipation loans (RALs) as “instant” or “rapid” refunds. Total fines from the enforcement sweep could reach close to $1 million. Commissioner Mintz also encouraged New Yorkers to take advantage of the many options available for filing their taxes for free or very low cost.

MAYOR BLOOMBERG, CONSUMER AFFAIRS COMMISSIONER MINTZ AND CENTER FOR ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY DIRECTOR WHITE ANNOUNCE SAVEUSA PARTICIPANTS ARE EXPECTED TO HAVE SAVED CLOSE TO $1 MILLION IN FIRST YEAR

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 10:47:00 EST

New Yorkers Encouraged to Sign up for a 2012 SaveUSA account at Free Tax Prep Sites
Social Innovation Fund, led by the Center for Economic Opportunity and the Mayor’s Fund to Advance NYC, Provided Matching Funds for 1,662 Accounts in Four Cities
In New York City, Residents with an Average Income of $16,000 Built up $250,000 in Savings
Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, Department of Consumer Affairs Commissioner Jonathan Mintz and Center for Economic Opportunity Executive Director Veronica White today announced the results of the first year of SaveUSA, a multi-city program that encourages low-income residents to build savings. In its first year, participating residents of the four cities opened more than 1,600 SaveUSA accounts with close to $1 million in savings.

DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS (DCA) LAUNCHES YOUTUBE CHANNEL WITH PROTECT YOUR MONEY VIDEO SERIES

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 15:58:00 EST

Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) Commissioner Jonathan Mintz today announced the launch of the Agency’s official YouTube channel with the release of three new videos in its Protect Your Money video series. DCA’s Protect Your Money videos offer tips and information in English and Spanish about City programs and services available to help New Yorkers protect their hard-earned dollars.