You can file a complaint about businesses in New York City that buy or sell used items, with the exception of books and pianos. 

Receipts for used items must state that items are secondhand.

What Happens Next

To receive follow up on your request, you must provide your address. The Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) will mail you a complaint form, which you must complete and return. If you also provide an email address with your Service Request, you will receive the form by email instead. Be sure to check your spam folder in addition to your inbox.

DCWP will consider your complaint a tip if you do not provide your address.

Before buying used catalytic converters, secondhand dealers must get the following information from the seller:

  • Year, make, model, and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of the vehicle from which the used catalytic converter was removed
  • Copy of the Certificate of Title from the previous owner of the catalytic converter
  • Determination that the catalytic converter matches the manufacturer’s specifications

Secondhand dealers must keep an electronic record of this information for six years.

You can file a complaint about secondhand dealers that do not follow these legal requirements.

By Email

Email your complaint to consumers@dcwp.nyc.gov. Please be as specific as possible about the problem.

By Phone

Call 311 or 212-NEW-YORK (212-639-9675) to report the problem.

The Department of Consumer and Worker Protection does not accept reports of rude employee behavior. You should report this type of complaint to the business.

For reports of discrimination, go to the Discrimination page.

The New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection can help you with complaints about businesses in New York City. For complaints about businesses elsewhere, contact the local Consumer Affairs office or the State Attorney General's office.

Online

Learn how to file a complaint for a business outside of NYC.

By Phone

  • Agency: Nassau County Consumer Affairs
  • Phone Number: (516) 571-2600
  • Business Hours: Monday - Friday: 9 AM - 5 PM

  • Agency: Suffolk County Consumer Affairs
  • Phone Number: (631) 853-4600
  • Business Hours: Monday - Friday: 9 AM - 5 PM

  • Agency: Westchester County Department of Consumer Protection
  • Phone Number: (914) 995-2155
  • Business Hours: Monday - Friday: 9 AM - 5 PM

  • Agency: New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs
  • Phone Number: (973) 504-6200
  • Business Hours: Monday - Friday: 9 AM - 5 PM

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