Consumer Issues
Notable actions
Information about student debt relief companies
Many consumers have federal student loans issued by the United States Department of Education (DOE). The DOE offers various programs to help consumers with respect to their federal student loans. Consumers can apply for these programs themselves for free.
Information about the Northern Leasing Systems lawsuit
The OAG sued Northern Leasing Systems and its affiliates in 2016 for trapping customers into unfair contracts for credit-card equipment. A court ordered Northern Leasing to cancel all contracts, stop pursuing outstanding debt, and pay restitution to affected customers. Read about the latest developments in the case.
Resources
Consumer Frauds Bureau
The Office of the New York State Attorney General protects New Yorkers from fraudulent, misleading, deceptive, and illegal trade practices. We investigate businesses that may be operating illegally. If we find that a business is violating the law, we get remedies for New Yorkers including refunds and changes in behavior. Our consumer mediation program, which handles over 12,500 mediations each year, helps New Yorkers resolve their problems with businesses and obtain refunds or other remedies.
Bureau of Internet & Technology
The Bureau of Internet and Technology (BIT) is committed to protecting consumers and families from new and developing online threats. As a pioneer in this field, the office has brought cutting edge cases and entered important settlements related to a wide range of online and technology issues, including child safety, privacy, deceptive or illegal trade practices, consumer fraud, spyware, spam, discrimination, and free speech.