New York Consumer Protection Attorneys

At DearLegal, we connect you with experienced New York consumer protection attorneys who use GBL §§ 349 and 350, the FDCPA, and the TCPA to recover compensation. Whether you were defrauded in Manhattan, harassed by collectors in Brooklyn, or hit by a data breach in Buffalo, we’ll match you with the right attorney — at no cost to get started.

N.Y. Gen. Bus. Law § 349 bans deceptive acts or practices in the conduct of any business, trade, or commerce in New York. To state a claim, plaintiffs must show: (1) consumer-oriented conduct, (2) materially misleading conduct, and (3) injury caused by the conduct (Stutman v. Chemical Bank). § 349 is one of the most-used UDAP statutes nationally.

GBL § 349(h) provides the greater of actual damages or $50, and the court may award up to $1,000 in punitive damages for willful or knowing violations. § 350-e provides $500 minimum and up to $10,000 for willful false advertising. Attorney fees are also recoverable.

§ 349 reaches any deceptive act in consumer-oriented business. § 350 specifically bans false advertising. Most consumer cases plead both. § 350 has a higher statutory damages cap ($10,000 vs. $1,000 for willful violations) for advertising-specific claims.

No, but the NY AG Bureau of Consumer Frauds and Protection is one of the most active in the country, regularly bringing high-profile enforcement actions. NYC DCWP also actively enforces. Filing a complaint creates a record.

The FDCPA awards $1,000 statutory damages per lawsuit. NYC’s Debt Collection rules (NYCRR Title 6, Ch. 5, Subch. M) and NY Consumer Credit Fairness Act add state remedies, plus GBL § 349 for deceptive collection conduct.

Dispute in writing with each bureau. They have 30 days to investigate under FCRA § 1681i. Willful violations recover $1,000 statutory plus punitives and fees.

New York’s SHIELD Act (Gen. Bus. Law § 899-bb) requires reasonable data security and breach notification. The Act does not provide a private right of action, but GBL § 349, negligence, and federal claims apply.

Why Do You Need a Consumer Protection Attorney in New York?

New York’s General Business Law § 349 bans deceptive acts or practices in the conduct of any business, trade, or commerce, with consumer-oriented impact. § 350 separately bans false advertising. Private plaintiffs recover the greater of actual damages or $50 statutory minimum, treble damages up to $1,000 for willful violations, plus attorney fees. The New York AG and NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection actively enforce. Federal statutes (FDCPA, TCPA, FCRA) layer on top.

When Do You Need a Consumer Protection Attorney in New York?

Our network includes New York consumer protection attorneys who handle every kind of case, including:

Types of Consumer Protection Cases in New York

From the moment you connect with a New York consumer protection attorney, they go to work protecting your claim. The most common case types we handle:

Paying the alleged debt before requesting FDCPA written validation

Missing New York’s 3-year GBL § 349 statute of limitations

Failing to plead “consumer-oriented” conduct — kills the § 349 claim entirely

Accepting a partial refund release that waives GBL § 349/350 statutory damages and federal claims

Not filing complaints with the NY AG, NYC DCWP, CFPB, and FTC

Missing class action opt-out or opt-in deadlines, forfeiting individual claims worth more than the class share

Paying the alleged debt before requesting FDCPA written validation

Missing New York’s 3-year GBL § 349 statute of limitations

Failing to plead “consumer-oriented” conduct — kills the § 349 claim entirely

Accepting a partial refund release that waives GBL § 349/350 statutory damages and federal claims

Not filing complaints with the NY AG, NYC DCWP, CFPB, and FTC

Missing class action opt-out or opt-in deadlines, forfeiting individual claims worth more than the class share

Common New York Consumer Protection Mistakes

Even a small misstep can hurt your case. Here’s what to avoid:

How Much Do New York Consumer Protection Attorneys Cost?

Out of pocket — state law shifts your attorney fees to the wrongdoer. You keep your full recovery.

Most New York consumer protection cases are fee-shifting — GBL §§ 349 and 350, FDCPA, TCPA, and FCRA all require the wrongdoer to pay your attorney fees on top of your recovery. For larger affirmative damage claims (data breach, identity theft, class actions), attorneys may use a 33%–40% contingency on recovery instead. Case costs are typically advanced by the firm.

What Can Your New York Consumer Protection Compensation Include?

Actual Damages

All out-of-pocket losses: money paid, property value diminution, monitoring costs, and identity-theft restoration.

Statutory Damages

GBL § 349: $50 minimum or actual. GBL § 350: $500 minimum. FDCPA: up to $1,000. TCPA: $500 per call/text. FCRA: $100–$1,000 per willful.

Treble / Multiple Damages

GBL § 349 awards up to $1,000 punitive damages for willful. § 350 awards up to $10,000 for willful. TCPA $1,500 for willful. Odometer fraud automatic treble.

Attorney Fees

GBL § 349(h) and § 350-e(3), FDCPA, TCPA, and FCRA all authorize attorney fees paid by the defendant.

Injunctive Relief

Courts may order deceptive practices to stop, mandate corrective advertising, and impose compliance programs — central remedies under § 349/350.

Punitive Damages

GBL § 349 statutory punitives up to $1,000 (§ 350 up to $10,000). Common-law punitives available with proof of malice. FCRA § 1681n for willful violations.

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DearLegal is a legal referral service, not a law firm. We connect individuals with licensed attorneys who can evaluate their case. Nothing on this page constitutes legal advice. Results vary based on individual circumstances.

New York Consumer Protection Attorneys

Why Do You Need a Consumer Protection Attorney in New York?

When Do You Need a Consumer Protection Attorney in New York?

Types of Consumer Protection Cases in New York

Common New York Consumer Protection Mistakes

How Much Do New York Consumer Protection Attorneys Cost?

What Can Your New York Consumer Protection Compensation Include?

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