Department of Consumer Affairs

The Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) was established in 1969 when New York City enacted its landmark Consumer Protection Law. In addition to enforcing the Law, DCA is also responsible for enforcing a number of other city and state laws that protect customers against illegal business practices. For 40 years, DCA has enforced the nation’s most comprehensive consumer protection law to ensure that the marketplace is fair for both businesses and consumers. DCA mediates consumer complaints, conducts daily inspections of companies, and ensures that small businesses under the agency's mandate are properly licensed. DCA also takes court action against noncompliant vendors, advocates for consumers, proposes legislation, and educates the public about fair, safety-conscious and honest business standards.