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Tips when Shopping for Services

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10 Things Every Consumer Should Know
Bail Bonds
Debt Collection and Settlement Services
Employment Agencies
Funeral Planning
Heating Oil Delivery
Home Improvement
Immigration Assistance
Notario Público
Pedicabs
Price Gouging
Tax Preparers
Towing Services


10 Things Every Consumer Should Know

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Bail Bonds

On February 15, 2018, the Deparmant of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP)—formerly the Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA)—filed charges against bail bond agent Marvin Morgan, and several insurance and management companies for engaging in deceptive and unlawful trade practices that preyed on vulnerable New Yorkers desperate to help bring their loved ones home. Learn more about bail bonds.

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Debt Collection and Settlement Services

Read Frequently Asked Questions – New Rules for Debt Collectors

Download Information when using Debt Settlement Services in: English | Español (Spanish) | 中文 (Chinese)

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Employment Agencies

Get tips when working with employment agencies

Download Consumer Protection Tips about Employment Agencies in:

Other Languages (PDF, 12/2017):

Download Job Hunter's Bill of Rights in:

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Funeral Planning

Read Consumer Tips When Working With a Funeral Home

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Heating Oil Delivery

Get tips for consumers on home heating oil deliveries

Get tips for businesses on heating oil deliveries

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Home Improvement

Get tips when hiring a home improvement contractor

Download tips when hiring a home improvement contractor as a PDF in:

Download Home Improvement Sample Estimate, Contract and Notice of Cancellation, Change Order Form OR all templates as a single file

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Immigration Assistance

 

Download Consumer Bill of Rights Regarding Immigration Assistance Service Providers in:

Read Consumer Protection Tips for Immigrants

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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 Español (Spanish).

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Pedicabs

Don't get taken for a ride. Download What You Need to Know about Pedicab Prices in English, Español (Spanish), 中文 - 简化字 (Chinese - Simplified), and Français (French)

Plan to ride in a pedicab? Before you do, know your rights! Get quick tips in English and Español (Spanish)

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Price Gouging

During a State of Emergency in the City of New York, it is illegal for businesses to charge excessive prices for goods or services that are essential to health, safety or welfare. Learn more about price gouging.

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Tax Preparers

Tax preparers must give you a copy of your Consumer Bill of Rights Regarding Tax Preparers

Get more consumer tips regarding tax preparers

Did you know the City offers free tax preparation services to eligible New Yorkers? Also refund-boosting tax credits including the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and New York City Child Care Tax Credit (CCTC) can put extra money in your pocket! Learn more at nyc.gov/taxprep

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Towing Services

Get tips on towing services

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