NYS Department of State Consumer Protection

NYS Department of State, Division of Consumer Protection--NY's top consumer watchdog and think tank | Like us on faceboook

[NYS Department of State Consumer Protection @NYSConsumer]

#ScamAlert🚨Veterans Beware of the “Veterans Savings Program” Postcard Scam
Scammers send postcards targeting veterans & spouses with fake offers for “extra VA benefits” or more payments, including CHAMPVA, TRICARE, & dental coverage. Don’t fall for it!

https://t.co/E1YXmMSimt

[NYS Department of State Consumer Protection @NYSConsumer]

Daylight savings time ends this weekend! Turn back the clock and remember to check the smoke alarms in your home, replacing any that are 10 years old or older.

[NYS Department of State Consumer Protection @NYSConsumer]

Halloween is almost here! Help trick-or-treaters stay safe. Wear costumes that are clearly visible to motorists. Dark-colored costumes are hard to see at night, so add reflective tape, stickers, or light-colored materials to costumes and treat bags, & carry flashlight/glow sticks

[NYS Department of State Consumer Protection @NYSConsumer]

Pumpkin carving is a fun activity, but it only takes a few seconds for an injury to occur.
Remember to leave the carving to adults, and never let kids do the actual carving. Instead, for pumpkin carving safety, have them draw the pattern and clean out the pulp and seeds after.

[NYS Department of State Consumer Protection @NYSConsumer]

🚨Recall Alert! Check latest recalls from the US Consumer Product Safety Commission:
👉Dollar Tree Electric Balloon Pump
👉PACEARTH Swing Seats
👉Papablic Bedside Sleepers
👉ONTHEWEI Baby Bath Seats
👉101 Dalmatians Coin Purses
👉Squishy Dumpling Ball Toys
https://t.co/hCJtd4Ly4f

[NYS Department of State Consumer Protection @NYSConsumer]

Tips to Help New Yorkers Cut Winter Heating Cost🌡
Check out the resources available to help New Yorkers weather the cold months.
Read our consumer alert for details: https://t.co/jqbceoHIJG

[NYS Department of State @NYSDOS]

Paying for for electricity or natural gas through one of the state's utility companies? 💡

You may qualify for savings! 💸 Half of all New York households are now eligible for monthly relief through the Energy Affordability Program.

Learn more and apply: https://t.co/Q6IC3xIFI5

[NYS Department of State Consumer Protection @NYSConsumer]

🚨 Recall Alert! Check latest toy recalls from @USCPSC:
👉Esjay Toddler Busy Board Montessori
👉Lights & Sounds Fire Truck Activity Board
👉Jerify Magnetic Humanoid
👉Cade California Electronic Projecting Finger Light
👉Ricky Joy Sour Crush Rolling Candy
https://t.co/hCJtd4Ly4f

[NYS Department of State @NYSDOS]

Today, the New York Department of State released 7 easy affordability tips to help consumers stay safe from short-term borrowing financial traps. View the tips and learn more at our website:

https://t.co/sFsFDOZTvR

[NYS Department of State @NYSDOS]

REMINDER🚨 If you pay for electricity or natural gas through one of the state's utility companies, you may qualify for savings! Half of all NYS households are now eligible for monthly relief through the Energy Affordability Program.

Learn more & apply: https://t.co/Q6IC3xIFI5

[NYS Department of State @NYSDOS]

A nor’easter is coming… When the lights go out, will you be ready?

Read our tips here from @NYSConsumer!

🔗 https://t.co/D8i78GWEam

[NYS Department of State Consumer Protection @NYSConsumer]

FREE Event for Older Adults in Syracuse!
Join us and AARP to learn how to recognize and prevent Scams.
🗓️Oct 15th
⏲️2pm-3:30pm
📍Baldwinsville Public Library
Please register: https://t.co/T6MRT3eaMP

[NYS Department of State Consumer Protection @NYSConsumer]

It's Baby safety month. Protect little ones at home and on the go with these essential baby safety tips.

Read the tips & download the Baby Safety Checklist below⤵️
https://t.co/gAi4deH7tl

[NYS Department of State Consumer Protection @NYSConsumer]

NYS is mailing one-time energy rebate checks of up to $200 to about 8.2 million residents starting this Sept through Dec 2026.

Residents do not have to submit a separate application or do anything else to receive this payment

[Governor Kathy Hochul @GovKathyHochul]

8.2 million New York households. $1 BILLION in energy relief.

Starting next week, households will begin receiving rebate checks worth up to $200.

We’re putting money back where it belongs: in your pocket.

[NYS Department of State Consumer Protection @NYSConsumer]

🚨 Protect yourself from student loan scams! 🚨
����Offers that promise to help with your loans for a fee are misleading
👉Don't fall for unsolicited calls, emails promising quick loan forgiveness. If too good to be true, it likely is!
https://t.co/ZihSbDxcoe

[NYS Department of State Consumer Protection @NYSConsumer]

📣Nassau County Residents: FREE Paper Shredding in September! This offers a secure way to destroy sensitive documents & prevent identity theft.

⏲️Sept 27, 2026 (8AM - 1PM)
📍Oceanside Town Transfer Station, 3737 Long Beach Rd, Oceanside, NY 11572
Details: https://t.co/sK0saSjpmx

[NYS Department of State Consumer Protection @NYSConsumer]

📣Suffulk County Residents: FREE Paper Shredding in Sept!
⏲️Sept 19, 2026 (9A-1P)
📍Bayport Bluepoint Public Library, 186 Middle Road, Blue Point, NY 11715

⏲️Sept 26, 2026 (9A - 1P)
📍Rose Caracappa Center, 739 Route 25A, Mt. Sinai, NY 11766
Details: https://t.co/1qJtYYgF5J

[NYS Department of State Consumer Protection @NYSConsumer]

📣Mid-Hudson Residents: FREE Paper Shredding in Sept! Offers a secure way to destroy sensitive documents & prevent ID theft.
⏲️9/19/26 (10a-1p)
📍Development Court • 1061 Development Ct, Kingston, NY 12401
⏲️9/26/26 (8a-12p)
📍Patriot Hills Lane • Stony Point, NY 10980

[NYS Department of State Consumer Protection @NYSConsumer]

Be cautious when scanning QR codes in parking area🚨Scammers place fake QR code stickers over legitimate ones on parking meters
👉Inspect the meter: check if the code looks taped over
👉Preview the URL link - check misspelling/strange domains
👉When in doubt pay directly at meter

[NYS Department of State Consumer Protection @NYSConsumer]

Heading out for Labor Day weekend? Before you fire up the grill, head to the pool or hit the bike trail, take a few minutes to brush up on some important safety tips.
Read our consumer alert
https://t.co/53xPPt1r0f