How to File an Anonymous Complaint at the DCA in New York State
New York state has government-run programs that assist, advocate for and protect consumers. The Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) is a program in New York City, and there is the Division of Consumer Protection (DCP) available state-wide. The programs exist to assist those in financial need during hardship or to protect consumers from fraud. These programs advocate for the individual so the online complaint forms require contact information. However, you can send an anonymous complaint letter.
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Instructions
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Collect evidence to support your complaint. Remember, these programs advocate for the individual so it will be more difficult to inspire action if your complaint is anonymous. If an auto-body shop is using generic parts, but charging for top-shelf parts, try to obtain receipts to prove the fraudulent transaction.
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Write a free-form letter to the agency describing the complaint. Use clear, concise language while trying to support your evidence. Explain exactly what the receipts illustrate in the auto-body shop fraud, for example.
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Enclose the letter and any evidence into an envelope and mail the complaint to the appropriate agency without providing any information on who you are. The state run program's address is: New York State Department of State, Division of Consumer Protection, Consumer Assistance Unit, 5 Empire State Plaza, Suite 2101, Albany, NY 12223-1556. New York City's program can be reached at: Consumer Complaints, 9th Floor, New York City Department of Consumer Affairs, 42 Broadway, New York, NY 10004.
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Tips & Warnings
If your complaint details an incident that is already in court, civil or criminal, then the consumer protection agencies will not be able to act.
Knowingly filing false complaints can be considered a crime.
References
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