A Voice from the Eastern Door
A Voice from the Eastern Door
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Criminals continue to impersonate SSA and other government agencies in an attempt to obtain personal information or money. Scammers might call, email, text, write, or message you on social media claiming to be from the Social Security Administration or the Office of the Inspector General. They might use the name of a person who really works there and might send a picture or attachment as “proof.” Four Basic Signs of a Scam Recognizing the signs of a scam gives you the power to ignore criminals and report the scam. Scams come in many var...
Secretary Rodriguez: “I urge all New Yorkers to stay informed and pay close attention for signs of tampering when using an ATM, gas station pump or other card reading machine to help protect themselves against these scams.” How Can Consumers Protect Themselves? During Identity Theft Awareness Week, the Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection today warned New Yorkers of credit and debit card skimming scams where thieves place “skimming” devices at ATMs, gas station pumps and other unattended payment terminals to steal card info...
The New York State Division of Consumer Protection (DCP) today released tips to inform and empower New York consumers purchasing gift cards and gift certificates this holiday season. Any gift cards or gift certificates purchased in New York State on or after December 10, 2022, will remain valid for a minimum of nine years from the date of purchase. And, when the remaining value of a gift card or gift certificate is less than five dollars, the recipient can opt to receive cash for the balance. All fees are prohibited under the new law, which...
Apart of its five-part consumer alert holiday series, the Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection reminds shoppers of New York State laws that protect consumers so they can make informed decisions about holiday purchases. To avoid surprises, DCP recommends that consumers carefully review and understand what to look for when reviewing return and refund policies. “Experts are predicting a strong holiday spending season despite recent economic challenges and as a result, we’re expecting more consumer activity this holiday seaso...
Follow These Tips to Donate Wisely and Avoid Charity Scams The New York State Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection (DCP) aims to raise awareness about charity scams. Donations of any kind can make a real impact on a good cause, which is why charity scams are especially cruel. Unfortunately, scammers never miss an opportunity to defraud people, so it’s important to remember that not all donation requests are legitimate. The Division has created this quick guide to help donors do their own due diligence on the charities see...
Part One: Tips to Help Consumers Shop Safely Online as Holiday Season Gets an Early Start The New York Department of State’s Consumer Protection Division (DCP) announced the rollout of a five-part consumer alert series to help cost-conscious New Yorkers navigate the holiday shopping season. In the coming weeks, consumers will receive guidance on charity scams, credit cards, gift cards, refunds, returns and warranties. In this first consumer alert, DCP wants to empower New Yorkers with actionable fraud prevention tips, so they have greater a...
In recognition of Grandparents Day held on September 11th, the New York State Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection (DCP) calls attention to scams targeting grandparents. This date is dedicated to honor grandparents and to appreciate their unique roles in our lives. To celebrate this special day, DCP wants to empower grandparents to outsmart scammers who prey on family bonds. With the common grandparent scam, criminals impersonate someone trying to help a loved one so they can trick them into sending money. The grandparent s...
In recognition of National Child Identity Theft Awareness Day on September 1st, the Division of Consumer Protection (DCP) urges parents to take preventative actions to safeguard their children’s identities. Child Identity Theft is a growing problem. According to recent data from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), identity theft for those under 19 years old grew 60% in three years. Today’s children have been raised in a digital world and unlike past generations, their exposure to these technologies starts very young and makes them vul...
New York’s Gender Price Equity Law Means “Pink or Blue” Should Not Matter” In honor of Women’s Equality Day, the New York State Division of Consumer Protection (DCP) reminds consumers that gender-based pricing of consumer services and products, also known as “pink tax,” is illegal in New York State. Gender-based pricing is the practice of charging different prices for substantially similar goods or services marketed to women. Gender-based pricing has been a long-standing problem but as of 2020, the practice has been prohibited within the st...
As summer winds down and parents begin getting their students ready to go back to school, the NYS Division of Consumer Protection (DCP) is providing targeted scam prevention and shopping tips for parents and children ahead of the new school year. “Back-to-school shopping is the second largest spending event for parents, after the holidays, which makes it critically important for parents to know how to safeguard against scams to protect their privacy and finances,” said Secretary of State Robert J Rodriguez. “And as more and more schools use t...
The New York State Division of Consumer Protection (DCP) reminds New Yorkers of their rights as summer travel heats up. Travel disputes remain one of the top complaints handled by DCP. In 2021, DCP fielded hundreds of complaints from consumers who had to cancel or reschedule their travel plans due to COVID-19. As more New Yorkers are traveling again, consumers should be informed of their rights, shop smart to safeguard their hard-earned money, and stay vigilant to protect themselves from scams. “With flight cancellations spiking and airports o...
The New York State Division of Consumer Protection (DCP) recommends useful tips to help New Yorkers save money every time they fill up. As gas prices continue to hit record highs, 16 cents per gallon, with more savings in some counties, can make a big difference, especially during the summer vacation season when millions of consumers are hitting the roads. “After being stuck at home during the COVID-19 pandemic, many of us are looking forward to traveling this summer, but we are facing sky-high gas prices,” said Secretary of State Robert J....
Memorial Day marks the beginning of summer for many New Yorkers, and with it, the start of the grilling season. As New Yorkers get ready to fire up their grills this Memorial Day weekend, the New York State Division of Consumer Protection (DCP) reminds consumers to consider some important safety tips for safe summer barbecues. “As we are looking to have fun with family and friends, it is important to keep in mind some safety tips that can make our summer activities more enjoyable,” said Secretary of State Robert J. Rodriguez. “This Memor...
Thinking of planting a garden this year – this might be the year to do it with the rising cost of food prices. Per the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) newly updated March 2022 report on food prices, “all food prices” are expected to increase in the coming months. More specifically, the report states that the cost of eating out will see an increase between 5.5 and 6.5 percent, while grocery prices are slated to jump between 3 and 4 percent in the remainder of 2022, adding to recent price increases that most consumers have already experienc...
Budgeting just sounds so un-fun. It conjures up images of penny pinching and math. But budgeting doesn’t have to be like that. Not now, not with all the great new apps that make budgeting a breeze. With just a few clicks, you’ll be on your way to taking control of your finances and building your savings. 1. Get the one budgeting app that truly does it all Ever look at your bank account and wonder where your paycheck went? Poof, it’s gone and you’re not exactly sure where you spent it. A budgeting app like Truebill can help you take control...
(March 26, 2020) The New York State Division of Consumer Protection (DCP) is alerting consumers about scammers taking advantage of the novel coronavirus. Scammers are using techniques that typically arise with a major global event such as: falsely claiming to be online sellers of popular goods; setting up fake charities; sending fake emails and texts that contain harmful links designed to steal your personal information; and using robocalls to pitch novel coronavirus treatments and work at home schemes. People should be on the lookout for...
Attorney General James also offered consumers the following list of tips they should use to protect themselves and their families going into 2020: 1. Internet: If you receive a telephone call or a pop-up message from your internet browser indicating that your computer is infected by a virus and that you must call a number immediately, you are likely being targeted by scammers. Microsoft, Dell, Apple, and other companies almost never call or send unsolicited email messages indicating a problem with a computer. Be especially vigilant if s...
The New York State Division of Consumer Protection (DCP) is alerting consumers about scammers taking advantage of fears surrounding the novel coronavirus. Scammers are using fake emails that contain harmful links designed to steal your personal information. While the New York State Department of Health, which is the medical authority on novel coronavirus in the State, has recently stated there are no confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus anywhere in New York, people should still be on the lookout for scammers looking to take advantage of...
(November 25, 2019) The New York State Division of Consumer Protection (DCP) reminds New Yorkers to be informed consumers when purchasing gifts this holiday season, including upcoming Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales. According to the FBI’s 2018 Internet Crime Report, New Yorkers rank among the top ten states claiming a total loss of over $100 million resulting from cyber-related crimes. Many of the complaints originate from interaction on social media. New York Secretary of State Rossana Rosado said, “As the holiday shopping season kic...
Buffalo, NY (August 15, 2019) Parents and students expect to spend more than ever on back-to-school shopping this year, according to the National Retail Federation’s annual survey. If you -- or a student in your life -- is shopping for books, clothes, school supplies, backpacks or other items, be sure to keep these tips in mind. Better Business Bureau offers the following advice on how to shop smart for back-to-school or back-to-college purchases: Before leaving the house Start your back-to-school shopping by creating a list. Jot down e...
(August 02, 2019) The New York State Division of Consumer Protection is alerting consumers of an increase in phone scammers purporting to be from official state agencies attempting to steal personal information from unsuspecting victims. Similar to a Social Security scam detailed in June, in these cases the caller “spoofs” official phone numbers of state agencies and calls individuals seeking information that could be used to steal identities. Spoofing is when a caller deliberately falsifies the information transmitted to a caller ID dis...
NEW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James announced that she has co-led a coalition of 50 Attorneys General in reaching the largest data breach settlement in history with Equifax Inc., as a result of an investigation into the company’s massive 2017 data breach that exposed the personal information of nearly half the U.S. population. The Attorneys General secured a settlement with Equifax that includes a Consumer Restitution Fund of up to $425 million, a $175 million payment to the states, and significant injunctive relief for con...
(March 11, 2019) New York State Taxpayer Rights Advocate Margaret Neri reminds taxpayers not to delay filing their personal income tax return if they owe money but can’t immediately pay. The Tax Department can help taxpayers avoid or reduce penalties and added interest. “We want to make it as easy as possible for taxpayers to pay what they owe,” said Taxpayer Rights Advocate Margaret Neri. “We understand that not everyone can pay what they owe right away. That’s why the Tax Department offers opportunities to set up a payment plan or make a on...
Buffalo, NY (January 15, 2019) You’ve been invited to check out a favorite retailer by secretly shopping the store and evaluate the quality of service, product availability, and, the best part - keep the items plus earn a paycheck. It really does sound like a too-good-to-be-true opportunity, however, such a job does exist and is sanctioned by the Mystery Shopping Providers Association (MSPA). But, as we all know, for every good opportunity, there is a scam behind it. Better Business Bureau of Upstate New York wants everyone to know the warning...
(January 11, 2019) The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance is encouraging taxpayers to prepare for income tax filing season by reviewing some important tips that can ease the process and ensure accurate returns and promptly issued refunds. “We are committed to fair and efficient tax administration, which means all returns are analyzed by our advanced processing system to detect errors and fraud,” said Acting Commissioner Nonie Manion. “To ensure your return sails through this process and any refund owed is issued promptly, review...
