Who Do I Call With a Consumer Complaint?

Question: Who Do I Call With a Consumer Complaint?

As consumers we don't always get what we pay for. If you have a complaint about a product or service purchased from a company on Long Island, here are a list of agencies that can help you.

Answer: Consumer complaints about the following should be registered with the appropriate New York State agency:

• Utilities (Phones, Water, Gas, Electric): New York State Public Service Commission at (212) 290-4312 or (800) 342-3377
• Insurance (Home, Health & Auto): New York State Dept. of Insurance, Consumer Services Bureau, (212) 480-6400 or (800) 342-3736
• Banking and Mortgages: New York State Banking Department, Division of Consumer Affairs, (212) 618-6445 or (800) 522-3330

If you have a complaint about a plumber or electrician, contact the town, city, or village in which the work was done.

If you have a consumer complaint that doesn't fall under one of the topics listed above, you can register your complaint with the Consumer Affairs Office in the county within which the business is located.

If you have a home improvement complaint, contact the Consumer Affairs Office in the county in which the home is located.

• Nassau County: Nassau County Office of Consumer Affairs Complaint Form.
• Suffolk County: Suffolk County Executive's Office of Consumer Affairs Complaint Form; Phone: (631) 853-4600; Email: consumer.affairs@co.suffolk.ny.us.

You can also register consumer complaints with the national office of the Better Business Bureau or with the NY Better Business Bureau.