Consumer Protection
Consumer protection laws and regulations exist so that government agencies are able to protect the rights of consumers. The Federal Trade Commission’s Bureau of Consumer Protection is charged with enforcing and investigating (CIDs) unfair, deceptive and fraudulent business practices, and educating consumers about their rights.
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NYC DCWP Alleges Tow Truck Operator Engaged in Predatory and Unlawful Practices
On March 4, 2026, New York City Mayor Mamdani and the New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) announced a lawsuit against Instant Recovery Corp., a Bronx-based tow truck operator, for allegedly engaging in predatory practices and repeatedly violating City law. After purportedly receiving a high volume of complaints, DCWP states that…
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Richard Newman Quoted by New York Post on NYC Consumer Protection Law
Consumer protection defense lawyer Richard B. Newman was recently quoted by the New York Post in an article discussing a moving company that has purportedly been “hit by a litany of complaints.” In the article. Mr. Newman states that “[g]enerally speaking, failing to provide the quality of services advertised and using predatory practices can violate…
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NYC DCWP Issues Citywide “Subscription Trap” Compliance Warning to Gyms
On February 19, 2026 Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and the New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) announced that it has sent warning notices to 187 gyms and health clubs across the city including Equinox, Planet Fitness and PureGym. The letters urge businesses to comply with state law governing membership cancellations and with the city’s Consumer…
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How to Comply With FTC and California Strike-Through Pricing Laws
Strike-through “comparison” pricing is a popular marketing technique where a higher “regular” price is listed on advtertising materials and crossed out in close proximity to a lower, “discounted” sale price. The practice is enforced when “unfair or deceptive” by federal and state regulatory bodies, as well as private plaintiffs. FTC Guides Against Deceptive Pricing Section…
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What are Key Factors the FTC Considers When Calculating Monetary Civil Penalties?
The Federal Trade Commission generally seeks monetary civil penalties when it is alleging violations of rules that the agency enforces, such as the Telemarketing Sales Rule, the Made in USA Labeling Rule, the Restore Online Shoppers’ Confidence Act, the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act and the Review and Testimonials Rule. The Federal Trade Commission increases its maximum civil…
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NYC DCWP Announces Major Action Against Solar Installation Firm
ON January 28, 2026, the New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) announced the filing of a lawusit against a solar panel installation company that allegedly defrauded New Yorkers “seeking a source of affordable renewable energy for their homes.” To address a purported scheme that allegedly “drove up utility costs for consumers…
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