The New York State Department of Financial Services (DFS) published a National Consumer Protection Week update alongside other state agencies reporting more than USD 245.3 million in recoveries and restitution for New Yorkers in 2024. DFS said it returned USD 228 million to consumers and health care providers and that its Consumer Assistance Unit handled more than 46,000 complaints involving disputes with banks, insurers and other financial service providers. The release highlighted consumer-protection measures in Governor Kathy Hochul’s FY26 Executive Budget, including bringing Buy Now, Pay Later providers under DFS oversight to address gaps in repayment-term transparency and protections, and DFS’s recently proposed regulations to curb unfair overdraft fees by avoiding charges for minor transactions and requiring timely notifications. Other agencies reported USD 17.3 million returned to consumers through complaint handling, including nearly USD 13 million in utility refunds and more than USD 2.3 million from marketplace dispute mediation, while the Department of State also cited Do Not Call settlements with seven telemarketers collecting nearly USD 1.2 million in fines and listed refunds and store policy, orders and deliveries, merchandise and product issues, credit cards, and travel as the top complaint categories. Additional State of the State and FY26 budget proposals referenced in the update include closing a loophole on unclaimed funds owed by Energy Service Companies, requiring a minimum 30-day return window for various retail products unless otherwise specified, requiring disclosure when online prices are set based on personal data, and making subscription cancellation as easy as sign-up.

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