Overcharge

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You can file an overcharge complaint about a business in New York City.

An overcharge is when a business:

  • Charges you too much money (price gouging)
  • Posts one price and charges you a different price

The City does not set prices. You must beware and shop around for the best prices.

To file a complaint about overcharging by street or food cart vendors, you must provide:

  • The vendor's Consumer Affairs or Health license number
  • A receipt

What Happens Next

If you provide an email address with your Service Request, you will receive a notification by email. You may also be emailed a complaint form, which you must complete and return. Be sure to check your spam folder in addition to your inbox.

On March 16, the NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection announced an emergency rule under the City's Consumer Protection Law.  The rule, effective immediately, makes price gouging illegal for any personal or household good or any service that is needed to prevent or limit the spread of or treat the new coronavirus (COVID-19).

Examples include:

  • Cleaning products
  • Diagnostic products and services
  • Disinfectants (wipes, liquids, sprays)
  • Face masks
  • Gloves
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Medicines
  • Paper towels
  • Rubbing alcohol
  • Soap
  • Tissues

It is illegal to increase prices of these types of goods and services by 10% or more.

If you think a store, including an online business, or a street vendor excessively increased the price of these items beginning in March, you can file an overcharge complaint with the City.

Toilet Paper Overcharges

If you think a store, including an online business, excessively increased the price of toilet paper beginning in March due to the coronavirus (COVID-19), file a price gouging complaint with the New York State Office of the Attorney General.

Online

Report price gouging to the State Attorney General.

By Phone

  • Agency: New York State Attorney General
  • Division: New York State Attorney General Local Office
  • Phone Number: (212) 416-8000
  • Business Hours: Monday - Friday: 9 AM - 5 PM

If you suspect fraud or deceptive practices by businesses who provide inspection, sampling, cleaning, or disinfection services for cooling towers, you may file a complaint with the New York State Office of the Attorney General.

Use the Consumer Frauds Bureau Online Complaint Form.

The Department of Consumer Affairs 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 Affairs 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: Suffolk County Consumer Affairs
  • Phone Number: (631) 231-2400
  • 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) 571-2449
  • Business Hours: Monday - Friday: 9 AM - 5 PM

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