False Advertising

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Businesses must clearly provide limitations and conditions of advertised offers in print, television, or radio advertisements.

  • Any free offer that carries conditions, such as "free with $20 purchase," must give the terms clearly.
  • Food stores advertising specials must have a supply of the items readily available. Stores must clearly post any limitations.
  • Meat advertised as A-1, Top Grade, U.S. Finest, or another private grade must also include the official USDA grade or a statement saying the meat has not been graded.
  • When an advertisement states or implies a price range for a set of items or services, it must print the highest and lowest prices in the same size text.
  • If a business calls an item "limited," all ads must clearly state the number of items produced or how long the business will sell the item.
  • Any business selling new products for more than the manufacturer's suggested retail price must clearly post both the selling price and the list price.

You can file a complaint about a business in New York City that: 

  • Make false claims 
  • Advertise products that are not available 
  • Misrepresent items or services in any way 

You must provide a copy of the misleading or deceptive advertisement. 

Report misleading or deceptive advertising by a:

What Happens Next

If you don't include your address or email with your Service Request, you won't receive follow up. The Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) will consider your complaint a tip.

If you include your address, DCWP will mail you a complaint form. You must complete and return it to DCWP. If you provide your email address, you'll get the form by email instead. Check your spam folder if you don't see it in your inbox.

If you have questions or complaints about New York City gas stations charging more per gallon for payment by credit card, contact the New York State Attorney General.

  • Agency: New York State Attorney General
  • Division: Consumer Protection Unit
  • Phone Number: (212) 416-8300
  • Business Hours: Monday - Friday: 9 AM - 5 PM

The Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) does not accept reports of rude employees. 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 (DCWP) 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.

Online

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

By Phone

  • 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

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

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