Scams Using the Department’s Name or Phone Number

The Department has learned that scammers may be using our name, letterhead, email domain and/or phone number to contact consumers. These contacts are not connected to DFS in any way, and the people or companies using our name and information are not authorized to do so.

DFS is also aware of a scam in which a consumer receives a call about a bank or credit union “case” being “prosecuted” by DFS against the consumer. The caller identifies himself as either being from DFS or the Inspector General’s office, and requests personal information from the consumer. These calls are fraudulent. The callers are trying to get your personal information to gain access to your money or for other fraudulent purposes. DFS is not making these calls and is not asking other agencies to make these calls. 

DFS has also been notified that scammers posing as money transmitters, lenders, consultants, and other providers of financial services have created counterfeit licenses and other documents on DFS letterhead which appear to be issued by DFS. DFS did not issue these documents.

DFS licenses all New York state-licensed and state-chartered financial institutions including banks, credit unions, mortgage bankers and brokers, licensed lenders, money transmitters, check cashers, budget planners, as well as insurance companies. Visit our Who We Supervise page to see if a person or company is licensed by DFS.

• DFS does not make unsolicited calls or send unsolicited letters or emails to the public.
• Do not provide personal information in response to an unsolicited call, letter, email or phone call that claims to be from DFS.
• DFS does not prosecute court cases against consumers and does not represent banks or credit unions.

To find out if a communication came from DFS call our Consumer Hotline at (800) 342-3736 or send us an email at [email protected].

File a complaint with DFS if you have been the victim of a scam involving a financial product or service. To file a complaint, visit www.dfs.ny.gov/complaint.