faq

	How do I report a suspected case of child abuse or neglect?
	How can I check to see if a business has a history of complaints?
	How do I file a complaint?
	Will you handle a complaint outside of Westchester County?
	Where is the Office of Consumer Protection located?
	Where can I file a complaint against a business?
	Who do I complain to regarding a business and/or products?
	Is my home improvement contractor licensed?
	Does my home improvement contractor have a complaint history?
	Where can I get an attorney to represent me?
	Does the Consumer Department license plumbers and electricians?
	Do you conduct surveys on oil and gas prices?
	Where can I find information about recycling?
	How do I find out about benefits available to seniors?
	Does the Office of Consumer Protection have speakers available to address civic and or religious groups?

How do I report a suspected case of child abuse or neglect?
Call the Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-342-3720 (your call can be anonymous), your local police department or Emergency Services Hotline at (914) 995-2099. Emergency Services Hotline is available 24 hours, seven days a week.
Contact name:	Emergency Services Hotline
Phone:	(914) 995-2099 24 hours, seven days a week
Dept:	DSS
More info:	www.westchestergov.com/social
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How can I check to see if a business has a history of complaints?
You can request a complaint history on a business or company by e-mail or in writing by regular mail or by fax. Mailing Address: Department of Consumer Protection 112 East Post Road, 4th Floor White Plains, New York 10601
Contact name:	John Gaccione
Phone:	PHONE 914-995-2155 FAX 914-995-3115
Contact email:	conpro@westchestergov.com
Dept:	Consumer Protection
More info:	www.westchestergov.com/consumer.htm
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How do I file a complaint?
Complaints can be filed on-line or by fax or by mail.
Contact name:	John Gaccione
Phone:	PHONE 914-995-2155 FAX 914-995-3115
Contact email:	conpro@westchestergov.com
Dept:	Consumer Protection
More info:	www.westchestergov.com/consumer.htm
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Will you handle a complaint outside of Westchester County?
Yes. If you are a Westchester resident and have a dispute with a company outside Westchester we will investigate the complaint.
Contact name:	John Gaccione
Phone:	914-995-2155
Contact email:	conpro@westchestergov.com
Dept:	Consumer Protection
More info:	www.westchestergov.com/consumer.htm
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Where is the Office of Consumer Protection located?
112 East Post Road,4th floor White Plains, NY 10601
Contact name:	John Gaccione
Phone:	914-995-2155
Contact email:	conpro@westchestergov.com
Dept:	Consumer Protection
More info:	www.westchestergov.com/consumer.htm
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Where can I file a complaint against a business?
Our County Department of Consumer Protection. The New York State Attorney General’s Office or the Better Business Bureau may be able to also help you or visit our Keeping Safe website.
Contact name:	John Gaccione
Phone:	County Department of Consumer Protection at (914) 995-2155 or State Attorney General's Office at (914) 422-8755 or the Better Business Bureau at (914)333-0550.
Contact email:	conpro@westchestergov.com
Dept:	Consumer Protection.
More info:	www.westchestergov.com/consumer.htm
	www.westchestergov.com/keepingsafe/detail.asp?categoryID=17
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Who do I complain to regarding a business and/or products?
The Westchester County Department of Weights and Measures - Consumer Protection fights hard to ensure a fair and equitable marketplace for consumers. Complaints may be filed with the Department of Weights and Measures - Consumer Protection located at 112 East Post Road, 4th Floor, White Plains, New York 10601. The phone number is (914) 995-2155. A complaint may also be filed online at the Department of Consumer Protection.
Dept:	Law
More info:	www.westchestergov.com/consumer_fileconsumercomplaint.htm
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Is my home improvement contractor licensed?
You can use the home improvement licensing web-page to see if a contractor is licensed.
Contact name:	John Gaccione
Phone:	914-995-2155
Contact email:	conpro@westchestergov.com
Dept:	Consumer Protection
More info:	www.westchestergov.com/consumer.htm
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Does my home improvement contractor have a complaint history?
You can request a complaint history by e-mail,in writing by mail or by fax.
Contact name:	John Gaccione
Phone:	PHONE 914-995-2155 FAX 914-995-3115
Contact email:	conpro@westchestergov.com
Dept:	Consumer Protection
More info:	www.westchestergov.com/consumer.htm
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Where can I get an attorney to represent me?
The Westchester County Attorney's Office cannot be hired to represent individuals generally. It is only authorized by law to represent the County of Westchester and, under some circumstances, the county's officers and employees. However, the following entities may be able to help individuals find legal representation. For civil matters, contact the Legal Services of the Hudson Valley at (914) 949-1305. The Web address is www.lshv.org. For criminal matters, contact the Legal Aid Society of Westchester County at (914) 286-3400. Stephen J. Pittari is Chief Counsel and Exec. Director for the Legal Aid Society of Westchester County. His phone is (914) 286-3472 and e-mail address, sjp1128@aol.com.
Dept:	Law
More info:	www.westchestergov.com/aboutwestchester_lawfaqs.htm
	www.lshv.org
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Does the Consumer Department license plumbers and electricians?
No. This is done by the Westchester County Clerk’s Office, Division of Trade Licensing license plumbers and electricians.
Contact name:	Edward Brady
Phone:	914-995-2657
Contact email:	eeb2@westchestergov.com
Dept:	County Clerk, Consumer Protection
More info:	www.westchesterclerk.com
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Do you conduct surveys on oil and gas prices?
Yes. We conduct surveys on gasoline prices at least once every 2 months. In the summer time we survey gas prices once a month. Oil prices are survey once every 2 weeks October thru March and once a month April thru September.
Contact name:	John Gaccione
Phone:	914-995-2155
Contact email:	conpro@westchestergov.com/consumer
Dept:	Consumer Protection
More info:	www.westchestergov.com/consumer.htm
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Where can I find information about recycling?
We explain residential, business and commercial recycling in detail on our Web site. You'll also find Household Recycling Events dates and other useful materials to downlown and print. The county's recycling Hotline is (914) 813-5420. Or you can call United Way's help line: 2-1-1
Phone:	2-1-1
Dept:	Environmental Facilities
More info:	www.westchestergov.com/recycling
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How do I find out about benefits available to seniors?
Contact the Department of Senior Programs and Services or visit their website for information on prescription drugs, adult day care, senior nutrition and older worker programs. The Social Security Administration can be reached at (1-800) 772-1213.
Contact name:	Mae Carpenter
Phone:	914-813-6400
Contact email:	mrc1@westchestergov.com
More info:	www.westchestergov.com/seniors.htm
	www.westchestergov.com/aboutwestchester_lawfaqs.htm
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Does the Office of Consumer Protection have speakers available to address civic and or religious groups?
Yes. Contact the Office of Consumer Affairs to arrange for a speaker. Topics might include consumer complaints, information about gas, oil and home heating prices or how to's regarding home contractors.
Contact name:	John Gaccione
Phone:	914-995-2155
Contact email:	conpro@westchestergov.com
Dept:	Consumer Protection
More info:	www.westchestergov.com/consumer.htm
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