Against the background of the Trump Administration’s moves to shut down the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and eliminate a wide range of federal regulations that protect consumers, Westchester County has updated its consumer protection law to better address deceptive business practices and protect people from the latest scams.
As county legislators and representatives of the county’s Department of Consumer Protection looked on, County Executive Ken Jenkins signed into law legislation that the County Legislature had unanimously passed.
The new law gives county inspectors broader authority and new tools to investigate complaints and enforce consumer protections. Among its key provisions are the expansion of prohibited business practices, stronger penalties, and increased power to recoup losses for defrauded consumers.
The civil penalty for first offense by a business is raised from $1,000 to $5,000. A second violation within a five-year period is subject to a $10,000 fine, up from $5,000. The third and subsequent violations during a 10-year period are now subject to $15,000 fines, up from $10,000.
The law adds two new categories of offenses: abusive trade practices and unfair trade practices. It requires disclosure of otherwise hidden fees and subscription terms. It requires that a sales slip, receipt, contract or another memorandum of sales be provided that not only has details of a transaction but also fully discloses the trade names and full names and addresses of the merchants. Any fees beyond the sales tax must be disclosed. Contractors are required to display their names and addresses in addition to their license numbers on vehicles.
In signing the legislation, Jenkins said, “This legislation is about protecting the people of Westchester County from dishonest and unethical business practices. Whether it’s hidden fees, subscription traps, or AI scams, this law ensures that our residents have a stronger layer of protection.”
According to Jim Maisano, the county’s consumer protection director, “We’re seeing a new wave of consumer fraud, often driven by technology and online deception. This law gives us the tools we need to fight back, ensuring that Westchester consumers are not only protected but that businesses engaging in fraudulent practices are held accountable.”
Board of Legislators Chairman Vedat Gashi thanked co-authors of the legislation Colin D. Smith and David T. Imamur for their work and noted, “We are defending the hard-earned money of working people. When businesses use hidden fees and subscription traps to drain bank accounts, they exploit our residents, seniors, and small businesses.”
Jenkins said that the new law will provide additional ammunition for county inspectors to use in cracking down on fraud by “contractors who take deposits and disappear, driveway pavers operating without licenses, businesses that trap consumers into subscriptions they can’t cancel, companies that use language barriers to overcharge and mislead.”
He characterized the changes as being about providing justice for consumers.
“They’re about making sure consumers get their money back and businesses play by the rules,” Jenkins said. “This law is protecting everyone, especially those most vulnerable to exploitation. Whether it’s seniors targeted by phone scams, homeowners tricked into signing over their deeds or families navigating language barriers, Westchester always has your back.”
