web
You’re offline. This is a read only version of the page.
close

Businesses must clearly provide limitations and conditions of advertised offers in print, television, or radio advertisements.

  • Any free offer that carries conditions, such as "free with $20 purchase," must give the terms clearly.
  • Food stores advertising specials must have a supply of the items readily available. Stores must clearly post any limitations.
  • Meat advertised as A-1, Top Grade, U.S. Finest, or another private grade must also include the official USDA grade or a statement saying the meat has not been graded.
  • When an advertisement states or implies a price range for a set of items or services, it must print the highest and lowest prices in the same size text.
  • If a business calls an item "limited," all ads must clearly state the number of items produced or how long the business will sell the item.
  • Any business selling new products for more than the manufacturer's suggested retail price must clearly post both the selling price and the list price.

You can file a complaint about a business in New York City that: 

  • Make false claims 
  • Advertise products that are not available 
  • Misrepresent items or services in any way 

You must provide a copy of the misleading or deceptive advertisement. 

Report misleading or deceptive advertising by a:

The content action "Art supply store" does not have a problem type that is supported by a service request form.

The content action "Auction house or auctioneer" does not have a problem type that is supported by a service request form.

The content action "Bail bond agent" does not have a problem type that is supported by a service request form.

The content action "Barber shop, beauty salon, or nail salon" does not have a problem type that is supported by a service request form.

The content action "Bodega, deli, or convenience store" does not have a problem type that is supported by a service request form.

The content action "Car rental" does not have a problem type that is supported by a service request form.

The content action "Car wash" does not have a problem type that is supported by a service request form.

The content action "Carpet and flooring business" does not have a problem type that is supported by a service request form.

The content action "Catering establishment" does not have a problem type that is supported by a service request form.

The content action "Cell phone store" does not have a problem type that is supported by a service request form.

The content action "Clothing, shoe, or accessories store" does not have a problem type that is supported by a service request form.

The content action "Dealer in products for disabilities" does not have a problem type that is supported by a service request form.

The content action "Debt collection agency" does not have a problem type that is supported by a service request form.

The content action "Department store or megastore" does not have a problem type that is supported by a service request form.

The content action "Door-to-door sales" does not have a problem type that is supported by a service request form.

The content action "Drug store or pharmacy" does not have a problem type that is supported by a service request form.

The content action "Dry cleaner" does not have a problem type that is supported by a service request form.

The content action "Electronics or appliance repair" does not have a problem type that is supported by a service request form.

The content action "Electronics store" does not have a problem type that is supported by a service request form.

The content action "Employment agency" does not have a problem type that is supported by a service request form.

The content action "For-profit college or university" does not have a problem type that is supported by a service request form.

The content action "Funeral home" does not have a problem type that is supported by a service request form.

The content action "Furniture store" does not have a problem type that is supported by a service request form.

The content action "Games of chance" does not have a problem type that is supported by a service request form.

The content action "Gaming cafe" does not have a problem type that is supported by a service request form.

The content action "Gas station convenience store" does not have a problem type that is supported by a service request form.

The content action "Gift, novelty, or souvenir store" does not have a problem type that is supported by a service request form.

The content action "Bodega, deli, or convenience store" does not have a problem type that is supported by a service request form.

The content action "Hardware store" does not have a problem type that is supported by a service request form.

The content action "Home appliance store" does not have a problem type that is supported by a service request form.

The content action "Immigration services provider" does not have a problem type that is supported by a service request form.

The content action "Jewelry store" does not have a problem type that is supported by a service request form.

The content action "Laundromat" does not have a problem type that is supported by a service request form.

The content action "Movie theater" does not have a problem type that is supported by a service request form.

The content action "Moving company" does not have a problem type that is supported by a service request form.

The content action "Newsstand" does not have a problem type that is supported by a service request form.

The content action "Office supply or stationery store" does not have a problem type that is supported by a service request form.

The content action "Online or mail order" does not have a problem type that is supported by a service request form.

The content action "Pawnbroker" does not have a problem type that is supported by a service request form.

The content action "Pedicab" does not have a problem type that is supported by a service request form.

The content action "Pest control services" does not have a problem type that is supported by a service request form.

The content action "Pet store" does not have a problem type that is supported by a service request form.

The content action "Photographic services" does not have a problem type that is supported by a service request form.

The content action "Pool or billiard room" does not have a problem type that is supported by a service request form.

The content action "Pregnancy services center" does not have a problem type that is supported by a service request form.

The content action "Printing services" does not have a problem type that is supported by a service request form.

The content action "Publishing company" does not have a problem type that is supported by a service request form.

The content action "Residential rental agency" does not have a problem type that is supported by a service request form.

The content action "Shipping company" does not have a problem type that is supported by a service request form.

The content action "Smoking, cigar, or vape store" does not have a problem type that is supported by a service request form.

The content action "Storage warehouse" does not have a problem type that is supported by a service request form.

The content action "Tax preparation services" does not have a problem type that is supported by a service request form.

The content action "Third-party food delivery service" does not have a problem type that is supported by a service request form.

The content action "Tour bus" does not have a problem type that is supported by a service request form.

The content action "Tour guide" does not have a problem type that is supported by a service request form.

The content action "Travel agency" does not have a problem type that is supported by a service request form.

The content action "Used car dealer" does not have a problem type that is supported by a service request form.

The content action "Used goods dealer" does not have a problem type that is supported by a service request form.

The content action "Used gun dealer" does not have a problem type that is supported by a service request form.

The content action "Other business" does not have a problem type that is supported by a service request form.

What Happens Next

If you don't include your address or email with your Service Request, you won't receive follow up. The Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) will consider your complaint a tip.

If you include your address, DCWP will mail you a complaint form. You must complete and return it to DCWP. If you provide your email address, you'll get the form by email instead. Check your spam folder if you don't see it in your inbox.

If you have questions or complaints about New York City gas stations charging more per gallon for payment by credit card, contact the New York State Attorney General.

  • Agency: New York State Attorney General
  • Division: Consumer Protection Unit
  • Phone Number: (212) 416-8300
  • Business Hours: Monday - Friday: 9 AM - 5 PM

The Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) does not accept reports of rude employees. Report this type of complaint to the business.

For reports of discrimination, go to the Discrimination page.

The New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) can help you with complaints about businesses in New York City. For complaints about businesses elsewhere, contact the local consumer affairs office or the State Attorney General.

Online

Learn how to file a complaint about a business outside of NYC.

By Phone

  • Agency: Suffolk County Consumer Affairs
  • Phone Number: (631) 853-4600
  • Business Hours: Monday - Friday: 9 AM - 5 PM

  • Agency: Westchester County Department of Consumer Protection
  • Phone Number: (914) 995-2155
  • Business Hours: Monday - Friday: 9 AM - 5 PM

  • Agency: New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs
  • Phone Number: (973) 504-6200
  • Business Hours: Monday - Friday: 9 AM - 5 PM

  • Agency: Nassau County Consumer Affairs
  • Phone Number: (516) 571-2600
  • Business Hours: Monday - Friday: 9 AM - 5 PM

 Was this information helpful?   Yes    No