Consumer Department Delivers
Info about health clubs, credit cards, contractors, gas prices and more
The Department of Consumer Protection fights hard to ensure a fair and equitable marketplace for consumers. Recently, its inspectors went out to 63 food stores checking for outdated food items.
Fines totaling more than $85,000 were assessed for 33 local food stores that failed to remove expired items from shelves.
Another new initiative launched by the department is
Senior Crime Busters. This one-hour, elder fraud protection program provides tips on how seniors can stay safe and avoid financial exploitation. We would be glad to make a presentation to your group.
In 2007, the department set a record for restitution it obtained on behalf of consumers. Not surprisingly, home improvement contractors are #1 on our “
Top 10 List” of consumer complaints. We continue to crack down on
unlicensed contractors, enforcing a new
law that allows the county police to seize the assets of these contractors. In the meantime, do your homework before you hire a
home improvement contractor.
Find out if the contractor is licensed and avoid hiring
renegade renovators. And
file a complaint with us if you have a problem.
Here are some of the other things we are doing:
- First-time home improvement applicant must now pass a written exam prior to submitting a license application. Read our press release.
- With the summer season here, parents and caregivers are reminded about pool safety.
- Average gas price stays above $4.46 per gallon. Go to our latest survey of gas prices to find out where to get the best price.
- Kmart was assessed a record fine of $1.56 million for violating our item-pricing law.
- Wal-Mart was fined $27,500 for violating our item-pricing law.
- Looking to join a health club? Read our tips or watch our video with tips on how to choose.
- Check out our news releases for our latest consumer alerts.
And there is so much more: Learn about the latest consumer scams; how to avoid becoming a victim of identity theft; obtain advice from housing counselors and read the latest recall and product safety news Use our guide in English or in Spanish before you choose a credit card. And for parents of students entering college, be sure to research and understand the many college financing options available to you.
Go to our A-Z Consumer for a comprehensive listing of consumer information and services as well. The Westchester County Department of Consumer Protection is here to help you. Send an e-mail or call us at (914) 995-2155 if you need assistance.