CharitiesAdvertisingBoatsPhone (block on 900 numbers)Composers, Authors & PublishersConsumer GroupsCrime VictimsEducationEmergenciesEnvironmentFraudImmigrationMusicNews-standsUnionsTelemarketing & Sweepstakes
Charities
Charities Bureau
State of NY - Dept. of Law
120 Broadway
New York, NY 10271
Info: 212-416-8430 or 8431
Registration office for all New York charities which raise funds in excess of $25,000 per year. Provides registered charities' financial statements upon request. ** As of April 1 1996 **
Council of Better Business Bureaus/PAS Div. - All NYS
4200 Wilson Blvd.
Arlington, VA 22203
703-276-0100
Reports on national charities.
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Advertising
National Advertising Review Board
845 Third Avenue,
17th Floor
New York, NY 10022
Info: 212-705-0114
Primarily concerned with truth and accuracy in national advertising. DOES NOT handle consumer complaints or inquiries; see National Advertising Division, a different listing, for truth-in-advertising complaints.
Federal Trade Commission-Advertising & Mail Order - All
10 Causeway Street
Room 1184
Boston, MA 02222
NYC Consumer Line: (212)264-1207
National: (202)326-3758
www.ftc.gov The FTC monitors advertising for possible deception and fraud and enforces antitrust laws. It monitors TV, radio, and printed ads, investigates complaints, holds industry conferences and issues advisory opinions and guidelines and makes economic studies of anticompetitive practices. Consumer education activities are conducted through the FTC's 10 regional offices. Guidance is provided to businesses, consumer groups, & state & local officials. The FTC is an independent law enforcement agency with 5 commissioners appointed by the President of the U.S. It also enforces mail order rule.
National Advertisement Division of Council of BBB
845 3rd Avenue
New York, NY 10022
212-754-1320
Will handle complaints ONLY for truth-in-advertising issues; and only if the advertising is being done NATIONALLY. Please DO NOT refer consumers for any other reason.
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Boats
NYS Dept. of Motor Vehicles - All NYS
Albany, NY 12220
Mailing address:
Bureau of consumer and Facility Services,
PO Box 2700-ESP,
Albany NY, 12220-0700.
Inquiries and Complaints: (518) 474-8943
Licensing: (518) 474-0919
License and handle complaints against: new car dealers; inspection stations; auto repair; dismantlers; junk/salvage operators; auto body damage estimators; boat brokers.
Boating - All NYS
Department of Transportation
Washington, DC 20593
Boating Safety Hotline 202-267-0780
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Phone (block on 900 numbers)
AT&T (900 Block Info.)
If callers cannot get through to our 900 number, and say they did not request a block to be put on their phone, refer them to this number to see if AT&T has a 900 block on their number: 1-900-225-6698. This is a free call. If they call this number and hear AT&T Network there is no block; they should call 1-800-222-3000 for help. If they can't get through on the above 900 number, they must have a local block through their own phone company, whom they should call for help.]
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Composers, Authors & Publishers
Amer. Society of Composers, Authors & Publishers - All
1 Lincoln Plaza
New York, NY 10023
Information: (212)595-3050
Licensing of MUSICAL performances only. Will Provide names of publishers, authors and composers of musical works.
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Consumer Groups
Consumer's Union - All NYS
101 Truman Avenue
Yonkers, NY 10703
Information: 914-378-2000
Litigates and petitions on consumer problems. Does product testing and rating. Provides information on products. Publishes CONSUMER REPORTS, monthly magazine including the December buying guide issue, books, Consumers Union News Digest, Travel Letter, and Penny Power. Also provides films. Back issues are available at your local library.
Consumer Protection Board - All NYS
250 Broadway
New York, NY 10007
518-474-8583, 212-587-4908
Coordinates the activities of all state agencies performing consumer protection functions; represents consumers before the Public Service Commission in consumer utility rate proceedings; informs people of their rights as consumers.
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Crime Victims
Crime Victims Compensation Board - All NYS
270 Broadway
New York, NY 10007
Information:212-417-5160
Investigates claims of those who were injured/ disabled as a result of a criminal act.
Victims Services Agency - All NYS
2 Lafayette Street
New York, NY 10007
24 Hour Hotline: 577-7777
Information: 577-7700
Provides counseling and financial aid services to crime victims.
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Education
Vocational & Trade Schools
NYS Department of Education - NYC/LI
116 W. 32nd St., 14th fl.
New York, NY 10001
General Info: 212-643-4760
Professional Licensing: 518-474-3817,
Albany: (800)342-3729
Schools for the handicapped/learning disabled: 718-260-2705
Office of Pupil Trans.(Yellow School Buses): 718-784-3313
OFFICE OF PROFESSIONAL DISCIPLINE:
1 Park Ave.
NY 10016
(800) 442-8106
*Handles written complaints against professions reg. by Bd of Regents* (Physicians, Physician Assistants: Illegal practice ONLY) Acupuncture; Architecture; Accountancy; Audiology; Chiropractic; Den- tistry; Design; Nursing; Massage; Midwifery; Therapy; Optometry; Pharmacy; Podiatry; Engineering; Psychology; Social Work; Veterinary Med.
Student Loans
Federal Student Financial Aid Information Center
1(800) 433-3243
Provide assistance to students applying for federal aid for college. Give advice on what kind of federal aid is available and how to apply; how to fill out forms; send out informational booklets.
NYS Department of Education - NYC/LI
116 W. 32nd St.,
14th fl.
New York, NY 10001
General Info: 212-643-4760
Professional Licensing: 518-474-3817,
Albany: (800)342-3729
Schools for the handicapped/learning disabled: 718-260-2705
Office of Pupil Trans.(Yellow School Buses): 718-784-3313
OFFICE OF PROFESSIONAL DISCIPLINE:
1 Park Ave. NY 10016
(800) 442-8106
*Handles written complaints against professions reg. by Bd of Regents* (Physicians, Physician Assistants: Illegal practice ONLY) Acupuncture; Architecture; Accountancy; Audiology; Chiropractic; Den- tistry; Design; Nursing; Massage; Midwifery; Therapy; Optometry; Pharmacy; Podiatry; Engineering; Psychology; Social Work; Veterinary Med.
General Education
N.Y.C. Department of Health - NYC/LI
65 Worth St., 4th Fl.
New York, NY 10013
Information: 212-334-7746
Permit Division: 212-788-4622
Preschools: licenses and handles complaints.
Dept. of Health-Nassau County
240 Old Country Rd.
Mineola, NY 11501
516-535-3413
Dept. of Health-Suffolk County
Hauppauge, NY 11788
516-853-301
NYC Board of Education - NYC
110 Livingston Street
Brooklyn, NY 11201
Information: (212) 951-6496
The Board of Education handles inquiries and complaints about NYC Public Schools.
NYS Department of Education - NYC/LI
116 W. 32nd St., 14th Fl.
New York, NY 10001
General Info: 212-417-4000
Professional Licensing: 518-474-3817 or 800-342-3729
Schools for the handicapped/learning disabled: 718-260-2705
Office of Pupil Trans.(Yellow school buses): 718-784-3313
OFFICE OF PROFESSIONAL DISCIPLINE:
1 Park Ave, NY 10016
800-442-8106
*Handles written complaints against professions reg. by Bd of Regents* (Physicians, Physician Assistants: Illegal practice only) Acupuncture; Architecture; Accountancy; Audiology; Chiropractic; Den- tistry; Design; Nursing; Massage; Midwifery; Therapy; Optometry; Phar- macy; Podiatry; Engineering; Psychology; Social Work; Veterinary Med.
NYS Department of Education - All NYS
116 w. 32nd ST., 14th Fl.
New York, NY 10001
General Info: 212-417-4000
Professional Licensing: 518-474-3817,
Albany: (800)342-3729
Schools for the handicapped/learning disabled: 718-260-2705
Office of Public Trans.(Yellow school buses): 718-784-3313
OFFICE OF PROFESSIONAL DISCIPLINE:
1 Park Ave, NY 10016
800-442-8106
*Handles written complaints against professions reg. by Bd of Regents* (Physicians, Physician Assistants: illegal practice only) Acupuncture; Architecture; Accounting; Audiology; Chiropractic; Dentistry; Design; Nursing; Massage; Midwifery; Therapy; Optometry; Pharmacy; Podiatry; Engineering; Psychology; Social Work; Veterinary Med.
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Emergencies
NYC Dep't of Housing, Preservation & Development
Central Complaint Bureau
215 West 125 St.
New York, NY 10027
Info/Complaints: 960-4800
For housing complaints concerning heat, hot water, plumbing, sanitation and dangerous or unhealthy conditions.
NYS Public Service Commission - All NYS
1 Penn Plaza
New York, NY 10001
Complaints about gas, electricity and water services: 800-342-3377
Complaints about telephone service: (800)342-3377
Complaints about utilities in (914): (800)342-3377
Emergency complaints about gas, electricity, water shutoffs: 7:30 AM - 7:30 PM (800)342-3355
Emergency complaints about telephone service: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (800)342-3377
Complaints about privately-owned payphones: (800)342-3377
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Environment
Energy Conservation
NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation - All NYS
47-40 21st Street
Long Island City, NY 11101
Information: 718-482-4901
Mid-Hudson Area: (914) 255-5453
Bottle Bill: 718-482-4999
Fish & Wildlife, solid and hazardous waste: 718-482-4995
Termites and pests: 718-482-4994
Handles complaints about the bottle bill, solid and hazardous waste, and termites and pests.
Pollution
NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation - All NYS
47-40 21st Street
Long Island City, NY 11101
Information: 718-482-4901
Mid-Hudson Area: (914) 255-5453
Bottle Bill: 718-482-4999
Fish & Wildlife, solid and hazardous waste: 718-482-4995
Termites and pests: 718-482-4994
Handles complaints about the bottle bill, solid and hazardous waste, and termites and pests.
Recycling
NYC Dept of Sanitation - NYC
137 Center Street
New York, NY 10013
212-788-3795
Responsible for litter refuse.
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Fraud
National Fraud Information Center
1-800-876-7060
www.fraud.org Will accept complaints of fraud, forwarding them to the appropriate agency through a national data base maintained by the FTC and the National Association of Attorneys General. Includes phony travel offers, illegal telemarketing, etc.
Bureau of Consumer Frauds & Protection - NYC,LI
NYS Attorney General's Office
120 Broadway
New York, NY 10271
Information:212-416-8345
Initiates lawsuits to enforce consumer laws; accepts complaints concerning violation of rent stabilization laws and refunds of security deposits; handles complaints against merchants.
**********
Nassau County Attorney Generals Office:
200 Old Country Road, Suite 240
Mineola, NY 11501
516-248-3300
Suffolk County Attorney
300 Motor Pkwy, Suite 205
Hauppauge, NY 11788
631-231-2400
New York State Dept. of Law
143 Grand Street
White Plains, NY 10601
(914) 422-8755
Westchester County only. Initiates lawsuits to enforce consumer laws; accepts complaints concerning security violations of rent stabilization laws and refunds of security deposits; handles complaints against merchants.
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Immigration
US Dept of State, Immigration & Naturalization Svc.-All
Jacob Javits Federal Plaza
26 Federal Plaza
New York, NY 10278
Information: 212-206-6500 (7:30am-4;45pm)
Immigration Reform & Control Act Info: (800)777-7700 (From outside NY)
Visa Office: 202-663-1225 (Washington D.C.)
Passport office: 212-399-5290
Provides information on immigration, naturalization, visas and passports.
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Music
Amer. Society of Composers, Authors & Publishers - All
1 Lincoln Plaza
New York, NY 10023
Information: (212)595-3050
Licensing of MUSICAL performances only. Will Provide names of publish- ers, authors and composers of musical works.
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News-stands
State Controller - Unclaimed Funds Office - All NYS
Alfred E. Smith Building
9th Fl.
Albany, NY 12236
Call (800) 221-9311 or write a letter, specifying that you are looking for information about unclaimed assets. Enclose information about your past addresses within the last ten years.
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Unions
NYS Employee Relations Board - All NYS
400 Broome Street
New York, NY 10013
Information: 219-4125
Labor Standards: 718-797-7499
Administers NYS Labor Relations Act which protects collective bargaining rights; prevents unfair labor practices by employers. ONLY FOR UNION-RELATED PROBLEMS (Usually re. discrimination because of union membership; most complaints entered by unions themselves).
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Telemarketing & Sweepstakes
Telemarketing
National Fraud Information Center
1-800-876-7060
www.fraud.org Will accept complaints of fraud, forwarding them to the appropriate agency through a national data base maintained by the FTC and the National Association of Attorneys General. Includes phony travel offers, illegal telemarketing, etc.
Removal From Lists
Direct Marketing Association - All NYC
11 West 42nd Street
New York, NY 10036
Info: 768-7277
Handles any matter concerning mail order or direct response ads; also handles removal of name from mailing lists and telephone solicitation lists. For help in having name removed from lists write to: Mail Preference Service Telephone Preference Service Direct Marketing Assoc. Direct Marketing Assoc. PO Box 9008 PO Box 9014 Farmingdale, NY 11735 Farmingdale, NY 11735
Sweepstakes
Secretary of State, Dept of State
270 Broadway
New York, NY 10007
1-900-TEL-CORP, or 1-900-835-2677
To check corporate names, addresses and other information on file with the state. Flat feel of $4.00 for up to five corporations.
Licensing: (518)474-4429
24-hour automated sys., operators 8:30-4:30 This agency does not take complaints.
Local office address: 270 Broadway, New York, NY 10007.
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