From Internet scams to unauthorized transactions, fraudsters are taking advantage of these difficult times to mislead and defraud consumers, according to New York Attorney General Letitia James.
Users should exercise caution and avoid fraud.
Below are some of the main customer complaints and tips on how to avoid these scams:
connected to the internet
These include: internet services and service providers, data privacy and security, digital media, data breaches and fraud through internet manipulation.
Below are tips to avoid this scam:
Regularly check your online accounts for unauthorized transactions and contact your online servicer (or credit card company, if applicable) immediately if you notice anything suspicious.
Landlord/tenant dispute
These include: security deposit release, tenant harassment.
Below are some tips:
Your landlord must return your security deposit within 14 days of departure. If your landlord takes any money from the security deposit to cover the damage, they must provide a separate receipt detailing the damage and its cost. If your landlord does not give you this receipt within 14 days of leaving, then they must return your entire security deposit, whether it is damaged or not. If your landlord defaults, you may be entitled to double the amount of the security deposit.
If you are having trouble paying your rent, please contact Social Services. Check out the links below:
retail sales
These include: price gouging, defective goods, poor customer service, pet stores and animal breeders.
Customer Related Services
These include: COVID-19 testing facilities, alarm companies, dry cleaners, restaurants, movers, services for personal household use.
COVID-19 testing facilities that advertise turnaround times for test results need to accurately convey how long it will take users to receive test results. Any consumer who believes that a laboratory or other testing facility is making misleading statements about the turnaround time for their test results should report it to their state’s attorney general’s office.
automotive
These are: sales, service, financing, repair.
Beware of deceptive sales tactics when buying or leasing a car. New and used car prices continue to rise, driven by factors such as high demand and a global shortage of semiconductors, which are an important component of new cars. Never sign any paperwork or leave the dealership with the vehicle until you have reviewed all of your paperwork carefully. Do not sign a blank document with no numbers or terms.
Make sure what you’re signing is what the seller told you and that you’re not being charged for any extra accessories or products you didn’t ask for, such as warranties, tire and wheel protection, and fender flares. Ask the salesperson or financial manager about any fees or charges you do not understand and whether they are required by law.
credit
These include: debt collection, credit card billing, debt settlement and debt relief, loans, credit repair, credit reporting agencies, identity theft.
Consumers facing debt collection now have added protections under federal and state laws.
communal
These include: wireless and residential telephones, energy services and suppliers, cable and satellite.
Home repairs/improvements
These include: repair issues, fraudulent contractors.
Before signing a contract, shop around for appraisals, check with the Better Business Bureau, vendors and neighbors for references.
Know your rights: You have three days after signing the home improvement contract to cancel it.
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