New York - Today Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani, Deputy Mayor for Economic Justice Julie Su and Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) Commissioner Samuel A.A. Levine announced that the City has secured more than $9.3 million in restitution for New Yorkers since January 1, 2026, delivering relief to consumers, workers and small businesses.
In its first 100 days, the Mamdani administration also enacted sweeping consumer protections projected to save New Yorkers tens of millions of dollars annually. These include a nation-leading ban on hotel junk fees, strongest-in-the-nation debt collection rules and new protections for workers' access to paid time off.
The administration adopted landmark consumer protection rules, filed five major lawsuits and sent nearly 60,000 compliance warnings to businesses citywide during the period. As the cost of living rises and federal protections are rolled back, the Mamdani administration is cracking down on corporations that violate the law and returning money to New Yorkers.
"New Yorkers have lived too long with one set of rules for the wealthy and well-connected, and another for everyone else. In our first 100 days, we have aggressively sought to change that," said Mayor Mamdani. "We are putting money back in people's pockets and holding corporations accountable. We will be relentless in using every tool at our disposal to build a fairer economy and a more just New York."
"This administration has taken on junk fees, won restitution for delivery and fast food workers and held corporate scofflaws accountable," said Deputy Mayor Julie Su. "At a time when so many have lost faith in the efficacy of government, we are sending a message that government has a critical role to play in delivering for working people and making their lives just a little bit easier every day. We are not a neutral actor in the fight against corruption and exploitation - we have the power and the will to take on these fights, and win."
"The real, tangible things DCWP has secured for New Yorkers-restitution checks, one less junk fee, free income tax preparation-make a real difference in people's lives and prove that this agency is a force to be reckoned with," said DCWP Commissioner Samuel A.A. Levine. "We will continue using every rulemaking and enforcement tool at our disposal to prevent New Yorkers from getting cheated and build an economy that works for everyone."
Key actions in the first 100 days, include:
- Targeting junk fees and subscription traps: Following Executive Orders 9 and 10, the administration held its first Junk Fees Task Force meeting in March. DCWP finalized rules banning hidden hotel fees and excessive credit card holds, which some economists estimate will save consumers more than $46 million in 2026. The agency also issued the nation's strongest consumer protections against predatory debt collection.
- Returning money to New Yorkers: The administration reached settlements with two companies that will provide hundreds of fast food and retail workers with more than $1.8 million to resolve Fair Workweek Law violations. This builds on a $5 million settlement DCWP reached with delivery app companies Uber Eats, Fantuan and HungryPanda.
- Cracking down on delivery app exploitation: In addition to the $5 million settlement DCWP secured the reinstatement of up to 10,000 workers. The agency sued predatory delivery platform Motoclick and released landmark data showing Uber and DoorDash drove $550 million in lost wages for delivery workers. DCWP also announced a separate settlement with HungryPanda, securing hundreds of thousands of dollars for immigrant-owned restaurants overcharged with junk fees.
- Stepping up enforcement: The agency filed major lawsuits against a predatory Bronx tow truck operator, a fraudulent solar panel company and a publicly-traded self-storage company The agency also issued nearly 60,000 compliance notices,, including "Subscription Trap" warnings to nearly 200 gyms, expanded its crackdown on deceptive practices in the tax preparer industry and launched a sweep of the employment agency industry.
- Expanding free tax filing: The City's Free Tax Prep program is projected to save New Yorkers tens of millions of dollars while processing more than 100,000 returns this year. The program offers free in-person and virtual services at more than 140 locations for eligible New Yorkers earning up to $97,000 for families or $68,000 for individuals and couples without dependents.
