New York Attorney General
Quick Contact
Consumer Hotline: 1-800-771-7755
TTY (Deaf/Hard of Hearing): 1-800-788-9898
Website: ag.ny.gov
File Complaint Online: Consumer Complaint Form
Office Contact Information
Main Office - Albany
Address:
Office of the New York State Attorney General
The Capitol
Albany, NY 12224-0341
Consumer Hotline:
1-800-771-7755
TTY for Deaf/Hard of Hearing:
1-800-788-9898
Online Resources
Website:
ag.ny.gov
File a Complaint:
Online Complaint Form
Consumer Frauds Bureau:
Consumer Protection Resources
Contact Hours
Phone Hours:
Monday-Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Eastern Time
The consumer hotline assists with complaints, consumer rights questions, and general inquiries about AG services.
How to File a Consumer Complaint in New York
Online Filing (Recommended)
- Visit New York AG Online Complaint Form
- Select the type of complaint (consumer fraud, scam, business practice, etc.)
- Provide detailed information about your complaint including dates, amounts, and parties involved
- Upload supporting documents (receipts, contracts, emails, advertisements)
- Submit and save your confirmation number for future reference
Response time: The Consumer Frauds Bureau typically reviews complaints within 30-60 days. Complex investigations may take longer.
By Phone
Call the Consumer Complaint Hotline: 1-800-771-7755
For Deaf or Hard of Hearing: 1-800-788-9898 (TTY)
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Eastern Time
Staff can assist with:
- Filing complaints over the phone
- Consumer rights and protections information
- Guidance on complaint process
- Referrals to other agencies when appropriate
- Status updates on existing complaints
By Mail
Complete a written complaint with detailed information about the issue.
Mail to:
Office of the Attorney General
Bureau of Consumer Frauds and Protection
The Capitol
Albany, NY 12224-0341
Include: Copies (not originals) of all supporting documents such as receipts, contracts, correspondence, and advertisements.
New York Consumer Protection Priorities
Financial Services & Fintech
NY AG actively pursues unfair and deceptive practices by auto lenders, mortgage servicers, student loan servicers, and emerging fintech companies.
Data Security & Privacy
New York enforces strong data breach notification requirements and pursues companies that fail to protect consumer information, with hundreds of millions in settlements.
Consumer Financial Protection
AG James leads multistate coalitions defending the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and protecting consumers from abusive financial practices.
Online Scams & Deception
The AG targets AI-based schemes, phishing scams, subscription traps, junk fees, and other digital consumer harms through the FAIR Business Practices Act.
Recent New York AG Consumer Actions
2024-2025 Enforcement Highlights
- Data Security Settlements: $500,000 settlement with Noblr auto insurance (Dec 2024) and $60,000 with Wojeski accounting firm (2025) for inadequate data security; sued Allstate and Root Insurance exposing 165,000+ and 45,000+ New Yorkers' information
- SmileDirectClub Recovery: Recovered $4.8 million for 28,000 consumers wrongly charged after telehealth company bankruptcy
- Immigration Services Fraud: $811 million judgment (April 2024) against Libre by Nexus for targeting immigrants with deceptive tactics
- Illegal Debt Relief Scheme: Multistate lawsuit (Jan 2024) against shell companies for swindling consumers out of $100+ million
- CFPB Defense: Led coalition of 21 AGs suing to prevent CFPB defunding (CFPB returned $21 billion to 205 million Americans; NY alone had 208,305 complaints in 2024 leading to $8.5 million returned)
- FAIR Business Practices Act: Advanced legislation to combat deed theft, AI scams, subscription traps, junk fees, and data breaches
New York-Specific Consumer Laws
- General Business Law Article 22-A (Consumer Protection): Prohibits deceptive acts and practices in consumer transactions
- FAIR Business Practices Act: Strengthens consumer protections against unfair, deceptive, and abusive practices including subscription traps and junk fees
- New York SHIELD Act: Requires businesses to implement data security measures and breach notification
- Stop Hacks and Improve Electronic Data Security Act: Enhanced data protection requirements
- New York Lemon Law: Protection for purchasers of defective new and used vehicles
- Debt Collection Procedures Law: Regulates debt collector practices in New York
- Home Improvement Contracts Law: Requires written contracts and protections for home improvement work
- Telemarketing and Consumer Fraud Prevention Act: Restrictions on telemarketing activities
What New York AG Can Help With
Consumer Fraud & Scams
- Deceptive advertising
- Internet and phone scams
- Identity theft
- Phishing and AI scams
- Charity fraud
Business Practices
- Unfair business practices
- Subscription traps
- Junk fees and hidden charges
- False advertising
- Warranty violations
Financial Services
- Debt collection abuse
- Credit reporting errors
- Mortgage and loan servicer issues
- Student loan problems
- Auto lending fraud
Data & Privacy
- Data breaches
- Privacy violations
- Inadequate data security
- Unauthorized information sharing
What New York AG Does NOT Handle
The New York Attorney General's Office cannot help with:
- Private disputes between individuals
- Cases currently in court or being litigated
- Employment disputes or workplace issues
- Federal agency matters (IRS, Social Security, Medicare, etc.)
- Landlord-tenant disputes (contact NYS Division of Housing and Community Renewal)
- Banking complaints (contact NYS Department of Financial Services)
- Insurance issues (contact NYS Department of Financial Services)
- Professional malpractice claims
Note: For issues outside the AG's jurisdiction, you may need to consult a private attorney or contact the appropriate state or federal agency.
Common Complaint Types in New York
Top 10 Consumer Complaints (2024)
- Internet purchase and delivery problems
- Auto sales and repair issues
- Identity theft and data breaches
- Home improvement and contractor fraud
- Debt collection harassment
- Telemarketing and robocalls
- Credit reporting errors
- Subscription and membership cancellations
- Financial services and loans
- Health and fitness memberships
Note: In 2024, the CFPB consumer complaint database collected 208,305 complaints from New York consumers, which led to companies returning $8.5 million to New Yorkers.
Additional New York AG Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to process a complaint?
The Consumer Frauds Bureau typically reviews complaints within 30-60 days. Complex cases requiring investigation may take longer. You can check your complaint status by calling the consumer hotline.
Will the Attorney General represent me in court?
No. The Attorney General's Office cannot provide individual legal representation or act as your personal attorney. The office investigates patterns of wrongdoing affecting multiple consumers and can take enforcement action against businesses violating New York law.
What happens after I file a complaint?
Your complaint is reviewed by the Consumer Frauds Bureau. It may be forwarded to the business for response, added to a database to identify patterns of violations, or trigger an investigation if multiple consumers report similar issues. You may also be referred to mediation or another appropriate agency.
Can I file a complaint if the business is located outside New York?
Yes. If you are a New York resident who was harmed by a business located elsewhere, you can file a complaint with the NY AG. The office may coordinate with the attorney general in the state where the business is located.