CPB Home Press Releases Consumer Links About the CPB   The New York State Consumer Protection Board (CPB) was established in 1970 pursuant to Executive Law Sections 552 and 553. It is the mission of the State Consumer Protection Board (CPB) to protect, educate and represent consumers. The CPB is organized into three (3) main bureaus or divisions: The Outreach and Program Development (OPD) Bureau develops comprehensive consumer education programs and brochures on issues such as identity theft; Internet safety, credit card management and home improvement. This bureau is inclusive of our Consumer Assistance Unit (CAU) which takes complaints five (5) days a week, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. via a toll free helpline @ 1-800-697-1220 and twenty-four (24) hours a day, seven (7) days a week via the web @ www.nysconsumer.gov. The CAU mediates and resolves over 20,000 complaints a year on a variety of topics including product refunds and returns, credit card disputes, Internet services, home improvement and identity theft. The Counsel, Policy and Research Bureau is responsible for the agency’s legal functions including, enforcement of the New York State Do Not Call law; management of the Security Breach Notification law as it applies to the CPB; implementation of our legislative programs; conducting investigations; developing policy; filing comments on state and federal consumer issues; conducting public hearings; and, collaborating with federal and local consumer protection agencies. This bureau includes our Public Information Unit which is responsible for cultivating media partnerships, issuing press releases and disseminating CPB consumer messages and alerts. In 2006, the New York State Consumer Protection Board had another successful year for the State’s “Do Not Call” Telemarketing Registry, adding another  1.3 million New York phone numbers to the National registry and responding to consumer complaints by reaching settlements with 58 telemarketers and collecting over $350,000 in fines. The Utility, Telecommunications and New Technologies Bureau intervenes on behalf of consumers regarding utility-related matters before the Public Service Commission (PSC). This bureau also fields consumer complaints about the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA), since these complaints are not addressed by the PSC. Additionally, the bureau will be focusing on matters relating to new technologies; landline and wireless telecommunications as well as radio frequency, satellite and broadband communication. The CPB continues to expand its focus analyzing and addressing new consumer issues and topics using  a variety of tools. Additionally, the staff is mediating and resolving more consumer complaints. In the first quarter of 2007, the agency received nearly 4,000 complaints ranging from problems about product refunds to telephone services. In serving as the consumer “think-tank” for the State, the CPB plans on developing stronger public and private partnerships; initiating policy development; and providing New Yorkers greater access to the information and tools they need to make educated marketplace decisions.