Connections
17connections
17connections
You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles
YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.
Consumer Affairs & Transportation<br />
208<br />
information on safe banking; automobile purchase and care; how to<br />
file complaints effectively for common consumer problems; finding<br />
and keeping a home; common types of insurance and how to choose<br />
the one that’s best; recalled medications, food, vehicles, child safety<br />
seats, and cosmetics; saving and investing; how to protect oneself<br />
from fraud; credit and debt; and how to stop unwanted mail and telemarketing<br />
calls. Website and telephone also available in Spanish.<br />
NEW YORK CITY—311<br />
For New York City government information and services, call 311.<br />
311 is also available online at www1.nyc.gov/311. Use this service<br />
to:<br />
• Report loud noise, potholes, blocked driveways, broken streetlights,<br />
or other neighborhood problems<br />
• Locate public hospitals and clinics<br />
• Find contact information for utility companies<br />
• Locate a towed vehicle<br />
• Find public school information<br />
• Learn about programs designed for small businesses<br />
• Get subway or bus information<br />
• Pay a parking ticket online<br />
• View street-cleaning and trash-collection schedules<br />
• View New York City job openings<br />
• View upcoming civil-service exams<br />
• Report heat, hot water, or residential maintenance issues<br />
311 operates any time of day or night and services are provided in<br />
over 170 languages. TTY number is 212.504.4115. For emergencies,<br />
call 911.<br />
Consumer Complaints<br />
The following two agencies receive calls on problems encountered in<br />
dealing with merchants, answer consumer-related inquiries, and make<br />
proper referrals when necessary:<br />
NEW YORK CITY DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS<br />
(DCA)<br />
If you believe you have been a victim of consumer fraud in New York<br />
City, you can:<br />
• Write the Department of Consumer Affairs—Complaints, at<br />
42 Broadway, 9th Floor, New York, NY 10004<br />
• Call the Department of Consumer Affairs Complaint/License<br />
Hotline at 311 or 212.487.4104. If the matter falls within the<br />
jurisdiction of DCA, you will be sent a complaint form to fill out.<br />
• You may obtain a complaint form online at www1.nyc.gov/site/<br />
dca/consumers/file-complaint.page.<br />
Once you complete a complaint form, you must and submit 2 copies,<br />
along with related documents (e.g., store receipts, warranties, contracts,<br />
etc). Processing may take up to thirty days.<br />
FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION BUREAU (FTC)—<br />
CONSUMER PROTECTION CENTER<br />
Consumer Response Center, FTC<br />
600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20580<br />
Telephone: 877.382.4357<br />
www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov<br />
Contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) for printed guides that<br />
contain lists of nonprofit, state, and local agencies that can help<br />
resolve consumer issues. For consumer complaints regarding identify<br />
theft, scams and rip-offs, unwanted telemarketing/text/spam, mobile<br />
devices or telephones, Internet services, online shopping, computers,<br />
education, jobs, making money, or credit and debit, contact the<br />
Consumer Response Center by phone, mail, or through the online<br />
complaint assistant website listed above. Website and telephone also<br />
available in Spanish.<br />
CONNECTIONS 2017<br />
209
Change language