Department of Consumer and Worker Protection Commissioner Vilda Vera Mayuga today shared some important tips for college students to keep in mind as the school year ends.
“The end of the school year can be an exciting, but stressful time for college students and we want to make sure that students, like all New Yorkers, are aware of their rights and know how to protect themselves in the marketplace,” said DCWP Commissioner Vilda Vera Mayuga. “Whether you’re getting a summer job or navigating student loans, DCWP offers resources, like our Financial Empowerment Centers, to help set you up for a successful summer.”
Beware of predatory moving company, Dorm2Dorm. In 2023, DCWP filed a lawsuit against Dorm2Dorm LLC, a moving and storage company that targets New York City area college students. Dorm2Dorm regularly failed to provide services that consumers paid for, misplaced possessions, or returned them damaged or broken. In April, a New York County Supreme Court ruled in favor of the City, ordering the business to pay nearly $3.8 million in civil penalties and consumer restitution, and cease operating illegally. Consumers who were deceived by Dorm2Dorm, are encouraged to call 311 and say “Dorm2Dorm” or visit nyc.gov/dcwp to file a complaint.
Know your rights and responsibilities when it comes to student loans. Whether you are considering student loans or already have student loan debt, be sure to read DCWP’s tips and resources at nyc.gov/StudentLoans. NYC’s Financial Empowerment Centers also offer free one-on-one financial counselling services to help you manage your debt – whether from student loans or ‘buy now, pay later’ loans – and more. Visit nyc.gov/TalkMoney to schedule an appointment.
Understand your worker rights if you have a new job or summer job. The newly expanded Workers’ Bill of Rights, a multilingual and comprehensive guide to rights in the workplace in New York City, summarizes the laws that protect workers and job applicants in New York City, regardless of immigration status. The Workers’ Bill of Rights includes information on rights enforced by DCWP, like Paid Safe and Sick Leave, the Fair Workweek Law, the Freelance Isn’t Free Act, the Temporary Schedule Change Law, and the city’s Delivery Worker Laws, as well as rights enforced by other state and federal agencies, like minimum wage and the right to organize. In most cases, NYCs worker protections apply to part-time and temporary employees, including students working summer jobs. Workers and employers can visit nyc.gov/workers or call 311 (212-NEW-YORK outside New York City) for more information about the laws that DCWP enforces or to file a complaint. Complaints can be filed anonymously. It is illegal for employers to retaliate against employees for filing complaints.
Consider all banking options for your paycheck. If you have a summer job, consider all your banking options to direct deposit your paycheck, including depositing your money into an FDIC-insured bank account. If you use a nonbank payment transfer app (like Chime, CashApp, or Venmo), keep in mind that your money may not be as protected as it would be in a traditional bank. Find a low-cost bank account at nyc.gov/SafeStart.
The NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP)—formerly the Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA)—protects and enhances the daily economic lives of New Yorkers to create thriving communities. DCWP licenses more than 45,000 businesses in more than 40 industries and enforces key consumer protection, licensing, and workplace laws that apply to countless more. By supporting businesses through equitable enforcement and access to resources and, by helping to resolve complaints, DCWP protects the marketplace from predatory practices and strives to create a culture of compliance. Through its community outreach and the work of its offices of Financial Empowerment and Labor Policy & Standards, DCWP empowers consumers and working families by providing the tools and resources they need to be educated consumers and to achieve financial health and work-life balance. DCWP also conducts research and advocates for public policy that furthers its work to support New York City’s communities.
For more information about DCWP and its work, call 311 or visit DCWP at nyc.gov/dcwp
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