How to Report Fraud in New York
The word "fraud" has negative connotations and can be used in every day parlance to refer to fakes of any kind. In legal terms, a fraud consists of five separate elements without any of which it does not qualify. There must be "a false statement of material fact," a knowledge of the false nature of this statement, an intent to deceive, a good faith dependence on the fraudulent statement and a resulting harm to the victim. If you have been a victim of fraud within New York State, there are several ways to report it.
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Instructions
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Contact the New York State Attorney General to report fraud of any kind. Visit the New York State Attorney General "Complaints" page and click on the form that suits your situation (Resource 5). Forms are available as PDF files which you can download and print. Complete the appropriate form and submit as directed by the printed form instructions.
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File a complaint with the New York State Better Business Bureau (Resource 6). Complete the online form and submit it for review. The BBB's stated vision is "An ethical marketplace where buyers and sellers can trust each other." The BBB accepts complaints and provides information to government agencies as well as provides information to the public, thereby exposing fraudulent practices and businesses.
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Visit the 311 website and search for "Fraud." You will find a list of possible types of fraud, the agencies in charge of investigations and the methods in which you may contact them. (Resource 3). Search the list for the description which fits your situation and click on the highlighted link. A link to the corresponding agency leads you to information and reporting processes listed on the next page. 311 is New York's all-purpose government information and search service both online and by phone.
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Dial 311 from a New York City landline or telephone. Tell the operators that you wish to report a fraud claim. Indicate the type of fraud and the overseeing or perpetrating government agency. If you do not know which agency is appropriate to report your claim, the operator will help you sort it out.
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Tips & Warnings
New York City has several local TV news stations. These stations each have consumer protection features during their 5 o'clock broadcasts. Contact the producers of these segments with your fraud claim and they may be interested. Nothing gets results like a TV camera and the negative publicity it can bring (Resource 2, 4).
References
Resources
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