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Consumer protection

Scammers Posing As NYSP Troopers, Agency Warns Scammers Posing As NYSP Troopers, Agency Warns
Scammers Posing As Nysp Troopers, Agency Warns New York State Police are sounding the alarm over scammers posing as troopers in order to con victims out of their money. In an alert issued Tuesday, April 9, the agency said fraudsters employ a variety of tactics to con their victims, including demanding payment for a missed court date, jury duty, or other legal matter. The phony cops have also been known to claim there is a warrant for the victim’s arrest and threaten to apprehend them unless a fine is paid. In some cases, scammers have directed the victim to buy a prepaid money transfer card and give them the card number. “They might s…
Police Warn Of Unlicensed 'Contractors' Soliciting Business In Westchester Police Warn Of Unlicensed 'Contractors' Soliciting Business In Westchester
Police Warn Of Unlicensed 'Contractors' Soliciting Business In Westchester A police department in Westchester is warning residents to be wary of unlicensed contractors going door-to-door in an attempt to solicit large upfront payments.  In an announcement on Thursday, April 11, the City of Rye Police Department issued a warning to residents concerning the unlicensed "contractors" that have been seen in the city.  According to police, the contractors will knock on residents' doors and claim they happened to be in the neighborhood. They will then offer to perform work such as sealing driveways, building new steps, or other similar jobs.  The fraudste…
Don't Fall For It: Scammers Pretending To Be O&R Workers, Police Say Don't Fall For It: Scammers Pretending To Be O&R Workers, Police Say
Don't Fall For It: Scammers Pretending To Be O&R Workers, Police Say Residents are being warned of predatory phone calls being made by scammers who are attempting to steal from Orange and Rockland Utilities, Inc. customers. The scammers, working across Rockland County, have been making calls pretending to be O&R employees, who tell the residents their account is suspended for non-payment, said the Suffern Police.  Scammers may also create urgency by telling potential victims that an O&R crew is on their way to disconnect service within a short time frame (15 minutes, etc). Scammers will then typically demand payment of a bill balance by prepaid…
Don't Fall For It: Driveway Paving Scams On Rise In North Greenbush Don't Fall For It: Driveway Paving Scams On Rise In North Greenbush
Don't Fall For It: Driveway Paving Scams On Rise In North Greenbush Police are warning of an uptick in scammers hoping to take advantage of the warmer spring weather. Each year, agencies across the country see an increase in complaints about fraudsters who bait homeowners with driveway paving services, according to the North Greenbush Police Department in New York. “As the trees sprout leaf buds and the daffodils peek out of their underground hiding, so must the scam artists offering to pave or sealcoat your driveway for the low low price of only five times what it would cost for a legitimate business to do it,” the agency said on Facebook. “And they must b…
SCAM ALERT: Glen Rock Homeowner Loses $27,400 As Home Repair Con Men Prep For Spring SCAM ALERT: Glen Rock Homeowner Loses $27,400 As Home Repair Con Men Prep For Spring
Scam ALERT: Glen Rock Homeowner Loses $27,400 As Home Repair Con Men Prep For Spring A roof repair scam cost a Glen Rock resident $27,400, prompting the borough police chief to warn citizens against con men who come to the door. Two visiting scammers who claimed to be from Nassau County, on Long Island, offered to repair a partially damaged section of one victim’s roof for $3,400, Glen Rock Police Chief Dean Ackermann said. No sooner had they begun their work than they suddenly “discovered” that the damage was “more extensive than originally thought,” the chief said. They asked for an additional $24,000 and the resident subsequently wired them the money, he said. The…
Avoid Scams: These Are Top 10 Consumer Frauds Of 2023, NY AG Says Avoid Scams: These Are Top 10 Consumer Frauds Of 2023, NY AG Says
Avoid Scams: These Are Top 10 Consumer Frauds Of 2023, NY AG Says To honor National Consumer Protection Week, New York Attorney General Letitia James has revealed the most common fraud complaints faced by residents during 2023.  In an announcement on Monday, March 4, James said that these common complaints ranged from price gouging of much-needed goods and services to housing issues, online banking fraud, and even travel-related issues.  The top ten most common consumer complaints of 2023 in New York were:  Retail Sales: (Online purchases, price gouging, retail sales, defective merchandise, poor customer service, pet stores, animal breede…
World’s Largest Beef Producer 'Greenwashed' Environmental Harms To Boost Sales, NY AG Says World’s Largest Beef Producer 'Greenwashed' Environmental Harms To Boost Sales, NY AG Says
World’s Largest Beef Producer 'Greenwashed' Environmental Harms To Boost Sales, NY AG Says New York State is suing the world’s largest beef producer, claiming it lied about its environmental impacts in order to boost sales. A lawsuit filed by Attorney General Letitia James in New York State Supreme Court on Wednesday, Feb. 28, accuses JBS USA Food Company of deceptive business practices and false advertising. According to James’ office, the company has repeatedly misled the public by claiming it will achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040, despite documented plans to increase production and grow its carbon footprint. In 2021, the JBS Group reported total global greenh…
Dating App Bumble Pays Up After Violating NJ Internet Safety Laws: State AG Dating App Bumble Pays Up After Violating NJ Internet Safety Laws: State AG
Dating App Bumble Pays Up After Violating NJ Internet Safety Laws: State AG You might want to be careful the next time you swipe right. Bumble, the popular dating app, has agreed to pay $315,000 and change its business practices after the state charged it violated consumer protection and internet dating safety laws by misrepresenting its criminal background screening policies, New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin said.  As part of the settlement, Bumble has agreed to disclose the company's criminal background screening policies on its dating website and app, to disclose whether those services allow people with criminal backgrounds to use the site and pr…
NJ Makes It Easier To Get Off Treadmill Of Unwanted Gym Memberships NJ Makes It Easier To Get Off Treadmill Of Unwanted Gym Memberships
NJ Makes It Easier To Get Off Treadmill Of Unwanted Gym Memberships If you're ditching the gym because you've already given up on a New Year's resolution or you no longer need it to reach your goals, a new law in New Jersey will make it easier to cancel your membership. Gov. Phil Murphy signed a bill on Monday, Jan. 8, that aims to increase transparency for canceling gym memberships online. The law will require gym subscription services that can be entered into online to offer an online cancellation option. A gym's website must make an option to cancel a membership easily accessible, within a person's account profile, or through a termination emai…
Google Settles $700M Multi-State Lawsuit For Limiting Android App Sales Competition Google Settles $700M Multi-State Lawsuit For Limiting Android App Sales Competition
Google Settles $700M Multi-State Lawsuit For Limiting Android App Sales Competition Google has agreed to pay $630 million fo consumers for encouraging anti-competitive practices in the Google Play Store sale of its Android apps, New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin announced. New Jersey and a coalition of 52 attorneys general sued Google in 2021, alleging that Google unlawfully monopolized the Android app distribution and in-app payment processing markets.  The states’ complaint highlighted several allegedly anticompetitive practices, including Google’s use of restrictive contracts to stifle the growth of competing app stores on Android devices, paying …
New Yorkers At Risk Of Scam Calls, Attorney General Warns New Yorkers At Risk Of Scam Calls, Attorney General Warns
New Yorkers At Risk Of Scam Calls, Attorney General Warns As New Yorkers across the state report being contacted by scammers impersonating their banks, officials are cautioning consumers to keep their eyes peeled. In a statement on Friday, Oct. 27, NY Attorney General Letitia James provided tips to avoid getting scammed by callers pretending to be bank or government officials. “Scammers claiming to be a trusted bank, or any institution relied on for financial services, can seriously harm New Yorkers by taking their money and their personal information,” she said. James said the Office of the Attorney General has been receiving calls from New Y…
NY Law Requiring Businesses To Warn Customers Of Gift Card Scams Takes Effect NY Law Requiring Businesses To Warn Customers Of Gift Card Scams Takes Effect
NY Law Requiring Businesses To Warn Customers Of Gift Card Scams Takes Effect Leaders in New York have given consumers another tool in their belt to help fend off would-be fraudsters. New legislation that went into effect on Tuesday, June 20, requires businesses that sell gift cards in New York to post a notice warning customers about gift card scams. Notices must be posted near where any gift card or gift certificate is displayed or sold. The law was introduced by Long Island State Sen. Kevin Thomas, a Democrat whose 6th Senate District covers central Nassau County. Thomas chairs the senate’s Consumer Protection Committee. “I am happy to see the Department of St…
NJ Reps Aim To Keep AM Radio In Vehicles NJ Reps Aim To Keep AM Radio In Vehicles
NJ Reps Aim To Keep AM Radio In Vehicles Many automakers are removing AM radios from their new electrical vehicles. Some New Jersey congressmen want to change that. Rep. Josh Gottenheimer (D-NJ), who represents most of Bergen County and parts of Passaic and Suffex County is the lead sponsor on a bill in the House of Represenatives that would require automakers to maintain AM radios in their new vehicles at no extra charge to the consumer. The bill, the AM for Every Vehicle Act, has support in the Senate from Sen. Edward Markey (D-MA) and Sen. Ted Cruz. (D-TX) Gottenheimer's bill comes in the wake of reports that BMW, Volkswagen, M…
Public Health Alert Issued For Ready-To-Cook Chicken Products Public Health Alert Issued For Ready-To-Cook Chicken Products
Public Health Alert Issued For Ready-To-Cook Chicken Products A public health alert has been issued for ready-to-cook chicken entrée products that may be missing labeling that includes the list of ingredients and cooking instructions, the US Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced.  "This product contains soy and milk, known allergens, which may not be declared on the finished product label," FSIS said in a statement, saying the alert is being issued to "ensure that consumers with an allergy to soy and dairy are aware that these products should not be consumed and to ensure that consumers properly …
Wheel Operators At American Dream, Three Other NJ Businesses Accused Of Exploiting Customers Wheel Operators At American Dream, Three Other NJ Businesses Accused Of Exploiting Customers
Wheel Operators At American Dream, Three Other NJ Businesses Accused Of Exploiting Customers The operators of the Dreamwheel at the American Dream Mall have been cited for forcing customers who want to pay cash to buy gift cards with surcharges, state authorities said. Skyviews of America, LLC, which operates the ferris wheel at the East Rutherford mall, was among four businesses that New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin said received violation notices for either not accepting cash or charging a credit card surcharge without properly notifying consumers. Similar notices – in this case for not disclosing card surcharges – also went to Ronnie’s Hot Bagels in Hillsdale and S…
Recall Issued For Popular Ice Cream Product Sold In NJ Due To Undeclared Allergens Recall Issued For Popular Ice Cream Product Sold In NJ Due To Undeclared Allergens
Recall Issued For Popular Ice Cream Product Sold In NJ Due To Undeclared Allergens A popular ice cream product sold throughout the region is being recalled due to reported undeclared allergens, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced. Weis Markets has issued a voluntary recall of 48-ounce containers of its “Weis Quality Sea Salt Caramel Ripple Ice Cream,” which could potentially contain undeclared soy and coconut allergens. Officials say that anyone who has an allergy or severe sensitivity to soy or coconut allergens could run the risk of serious or life-threatening reactions if they are consumed. According to the FDA, the products may have been distributed in…
Unlicensed Bucks Wedding Venue Must Pay $11K, Says AG Unlicensed Bucks Wedding Venue Must Pay $11K, Says AG
Unlicensed Bucks Wedding Venue Must Pay $11K, Says AG The operators of a wedding and event venue in Bucks County must pay $11,750 to the state, authorities announced.  Lawrence and Karen Plummer, who run The Barn at Forestville in Furlong, did not obtain the zoning permit required to run an event venue, said state Attorney General Joshua Shapiro in a statement Friday, Nov. 18.  Shapiro said the Plummers booked weddings, parties, and receptions that they were not legally able to host at their venue. When a court ordered the couple to stop hosting events, the Plummers had to cancel on clients who had already booked weeks prior, of…
Maryland AG Reaches Massive Settlement with Google Over Location Tracking Practices Maryland AG Reaches Massive Settlement with Google Over Location Tracking Practices
Maryland AG Reaches Massive Settlement with Google Over Location Tracking Practices Maryland Attorney General Brian E. Frosh has announced that his Consumer Protection Division as well as 39 other attorneys general have reached a $391.5 million multi-state settlement with Google over its location tracking practices relating to Google Account settings.  The settlement will also require Google to make it easier for consumers to manage their privacy settings when using Google products, according to Frosh. Maryland’s share of the massive settlement is $8.6 million. “Google misled Marylanders about its location tracking practices. It built de…
Massachusetts Inches Closer Toward Legalizing Sports Betting: Report Massachusetts Inches Closer Toward Legalizing Sports Betting: Report
Massachusetts Inches Closer Toward Legalizing Sports Betting: Report Massachusetts is one signature away from becoming the 31st state to legalize sports gambling thanks to an overtime compromise between state leaders, reports said. Coincidentally, it could be here before the NFL season starts next month.  Legislators in Boston approved the betting bill early Monday morning, Aug. 1, hours after the midnight deadline. Speaker of the state House Ron Mariano tweeted that his team and Senate leadership had struck a deal after nearly a year of arguments.  I am proud to announce that the Sports Betting Conference Committee has reached an agreement on legislatio…
$34.2M Recovered For Thousands Of Service Members Defrauded By Hauppauge-Based Jeweler $34.2M Recovered For Thousands Of Service Members Defrauded By Hauppauge-Based Jeweler
$34.2M Recovered For Thousands Of Service Members Defrauded By Hauppauge-Based Jeweler A New York-based jewelry chain will pay $34.2 million as part of a settlement with 18 states for “deceiving and defrauding” more than 46,000 service members and veterans, according to the New York Attorney General’s Office. Long Island-based Harris Jewelry, headquartered in Hauppauge, had been accused of using deceptive marketing tactics to lure active-duty service members to their financing program and of falsely claiming that investing in the program would improve customers’ credit scores. The company also made customers believe that protection plans were required to purchase jewelry and…
Thrifty Furniture Sellers Settle In Frederick County For Shifty Scam Thrifty Furniture Sellers Settle In Frederick County For Shifty Scam
Thrifty Furniture Sellers Settle In Frederick County For Shifty Scam Several business owners in Maryland will face no further prosecution after reaching an agreement to refund payments for work that was unfulfilled or failed to match expectations, the Attorney General's Office announced. The AG’s Consumer Protection Division has reached a settlement of the civil charges against Christopher Engel, Karol Engel, Matthew Dihel, MOCHA Furniture Limited Liability Company, Urbana custom décor Limited Liability Company, and Farmstead Custom Furniture LLC in Frederick County, according to AG Brian Frosh. Frosh said the group was "collectively charged with v…
Beware Of These Summer Rental Scams, NY AG Says Beware Of These Summer Rental Scams, NY AG Says
Beware Of These Summer Rental Scams, NY AG Says With the summer vacation season just around the corner, New York Attorney General Letitia James is warning of possible rental scams. “As millions of New Yorkers plan their getaway trips and look to rent homes, they should be mindful of scammers that misrepresent rentals or list fake homes online that do not actually exist, tricking consumers into paying and leaving them with nowhere to stay,” James’ office said in a statement. She offered several tips for would-be vacationers to avoid falling victim to fraud, including: Verify the host. Make sure the renter or host has a valid address and…
Rockland County Gas Sales Tax Cap To Take Effect Rockland County Gas Sales Tax Cap To Take Effect
Rockland County Gas Sales Tax Cap To Take Effect Motorists in one Hudson Valley county will see some financial relief at the gas pump as prices continue to rise to record levels nationwide. In Rockland County, beginning on Wednesday, June 1, the local sales cap tax on gas will be capped at $2 per gallon, amid the record spike in prices at the pump. According to officials, the change means sales tax will only be applied to the first $2 of a gasoline purchase, as opposed to the full gas price. The cap will be in effect through Feb. 28, 2023. Officials said that inspectors from the Rockland County Office of Consumer Protection "have been…
Three NJ Auto Dealers Pony Up $400,000 To Resolve Ripoff Claims, Promise Not To Do It Again Three NJ Auto Dealers Pony Up $400,000 To Resolve Ripoff Claims, Promise Not To Do It Again
Three NJ Auto Dealers Pony Up $400,000 To Resolve Ripoff Claims, Promise Not To Do It Again Three New Jersey auto dealers accused of ripping off customers agreed to pay nearly $400,000 combined to end a state investigation while promising not to do it again, authorities announced. Buyers of both new and used vehicles have already been frustrated by supply chain issues, Acting Attorney Matthew J. Platkin said in a joint release with the state Division of Consumer Affairs on Friday, May 20. Now this. “Dodging illegal practices should be the last thing New Jerseyans have to worry about as they search for a vehicle in this challenging market,” the attorney general said. Platkin iden…
First Black Woman To Serve As US Attorney For District Of Connecticut Takes Command First Black Woman To Serve As US Attorney For District Of Connecticut Takes Command
First Black Woman To Serve As US Attorney For District Of Connecticut Takes Command A longtime lawmaker in Connecticut has checked off a new milestone. Vanessa Roberts Avery, age 47, of West Hartford, has been sworn in as the US Attorney for the District of Connecticut, making her the first Black woman to fill that position. “It is an honor to return to this office, in the city where I was raised, to serve as Connecticut’s U.S. Attorney,” Avery announced.  “I look forward to working with the many talented members of this office, as well as our dedicated law enforcement partners, to enforce federal criminal and civil laws, protect our communities, and ensure justice …
NY Officials Direct Major Utilities To Increase Customer Outreach As Bills Increase NY Officials Direct Major Utilities To Increase Customer Outreach As Bills Increase
NY Officials Direct Major Utilities To Increase Customer Outreach As Bills Increase State officials sent letters to New York's major electric and gas utilities, directing them to improve their outreach to customers as utility bills have increased due to surging energy prices. Gov. Kathy Hochul said her administration has also launched a statewide campaign to increase relief efforts for customers with lower incomes. "The extreme utility bill increases all of us are seeing are having a serious impact on our household budgets, and in response we are taking action," Hochul said. "I have directed the Department of Public Service to ensure all the major electric and gas utilitie…
Bad Actors Using Apple AirTags To Track People's Locations, Personal Belongings, NY AG Warns Bad Actors Using Apple AirTags To Track People's Locations, Personal Belongings, NY AG Warns
Bad Actors Using Apple AirTags To Track People's Locations, Personal Belongings, NY AG Warns The New York Attorney General is cautioning about bad apples who have been using Apple to track their locations and belongings. Attorney General Letitia James issued a consumer alert with safety recommendations to protect New Yorkers from bad actors who have been using Apple AirTags to track individuals’ locations and belongings with malicious intent. According to the AG, those targeted have reported finding unknown AirTags attached to their cars, and in their purses, coat pockets, and other personal property. Others have reportedly received alerts on their phones that their location inform…
NY AG Alerts Residents To Deceptive Sports Betting Companies Ahead Of Super Bowl NY AG Alerts Residents To Deceptive Sports Betting Companies Ahead Of Super Bowl
NY AG Alerts Residents To Deceptive Sports Betting Companies Ahead Of Super Bowl Attorney General Letitia James advised New Yorkers to be aware of deceptive online sports betting organizations ahead of the Super Bowl. James said since online sports betting became legal in the state last month, many residents have encountered misleading ads online that make claims such as "risk-free bets" or "$1,000 welcome offers." She said these deceptive ads often come with requirements consumers aren't aware of. “I urge all New Yorkers watching the Super Bowl and betting online for the first time to be careful — don’t let scammers game your gamble,” James said. “Before placing a bet…
1.1M Accounts Compromised In Cyberattacks Of 17 Companies, NY AG Investigation Finds 1.1M Accounts Compromised In Cyberattacks Of 17 Companies, NY AG Investigation Finds
1.1M Accounts Compromised In Cyberattacks Of 17 Companies, NY AG Investigation Finds An investigation by the New York Attorney General's Office found that more than 1.1 million accounts were compromised in cyberattacks of 17 companies. Attorney General Letitia James said in an announcement on Wednesday, Jan. 5, that the "Credential Stuffing Attacks" involve repeated, automated attempts to access accounts by using information stolen from other websites. James said often people reuse the same passwords on different sites, which allows cybercriminals to use stolen passwords on other websites.  “Right now, there are more than 15 billion stolen credentials being circu…
NJ Co-Leads Nationwide Consumer Protection Probe Into Whether Instagram Is Putting Kids At Risk NJ Co-Leads Nationwide Consumer Protection Probe Into Whether Instagram Is Putting Kids At Risk
NJ Co-Leads Nationwide Consumer Protection Probe Into Whether Instagram Is Putting Kids At Risk New Jersey is co-leading a nationwide investigation into whether Instagram is violating state consumer protection laws and putting children, teenagers and young adults at risk, Acting State Attorney General Andrew J. Bruck announced Thursday. "Emerging research" suggests a connection between increased time spent online by young people and "depression, anxiety, isolation, body image issues, cyber-bullying, eating disorders, and sleeplessness," among other symptoms, said Bruck (photo above). Research by Meta Platforms Inc. -- the parent company of both Instagram and Facebook -- shows fou…
Philly Influencer Used Social Media Following To Rip Off Black Community, AG's Lawsuit Says Philly Influencer Used Social Media Following To Rip Off Black Community, AG's Lawsuit Says
Philly Influencer Used Social Media Following To Rip Off Black Community, AG's Lawsuit Says A Philadelphia business owner is facing a lawsuit filed by Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro accusing her of using her social media presence to steal thousands of dollars from consumers. The suit alleges that Dana Chanel, whose real name is Casey Olivera, and co-owners of the four businesses named "misled consumers and failed to deliver goods and services as promised." “Dana Chanel built a following online by presenting herself as a black woman-owned small business success story,” Shaprio said. “She advertised the products of her companies as a way for other black small business ow…