New York City's new commissioner of consumer and worker protection, Samuel AA Levine, is spearheading an aggressive campaign to combat junk fees and deceptive business practices. Levine, who previously served as the Federal Trade Commission's consumer protection director under the Biden administration, has renewed his war on hidden charges and hard-to-cancel subscriptions in his new role.
Levine's Mission: Encourage More Complaints
Levine wants New Yorkers to complain more. He stated, "We get about 30,000 complaints a year. I'd really like to get the number up." His office has already taken action against self-storage companies, Uber Eats, and Amazon, securing millions in settlements. A proposed "click to cancel" rule would make New York the first US municipality to require simple cancellation processes for subscriptions.
Addressing Corporate Lawbreaking
Levine described a decades-long "epidemic of corporate lawbreaking with very few repercussions" in the US. He emphasized that corporations that defraud consumers must face consequences, calling it "common sense." Critics, including corporate law firms, have raised concerns about New York's aggressive enforcement posture, likening Levine to a local version of the FTC.
Why Consumers Are Unhappy
Levine attributes consumer dissatisfaction to companies trying to "screw them." He noted that lax merger enforcement over the past 40 years has led to oligopolies in many industries, where a few players effectively veto policies. Digital interfaces have enabled subscription traps, with companies using design tricks to make cancellation difficult. AI has further turbocharged these practices.
Engagement with Businesses
Levine maintains an open door for businesses but insists on enforcing the law. He stated, "If people break the law in New York, you park on the wrong side of the street, you're going to face some pretty severe consequences. I believe the same thing about corporate law." He believes that aggressive enforcement benefits honest competitors and consumers alike.
Click to Cancel Rule
The proposed rule would require companies doing business with New Yorkers to make cancellations simple. Levine explained, "We're not going to wait for DC. We're going to be the first city in the country to have our own click-to-cancel law." Enforcement will be aggressive, with mediators reaching out to companies and enforcement actions in city and state courts.
Overcoming Pushback
Despite industry opposition, Levine is confident the rule will stick. He noted that the FTC's national rule was struck down on procedural grounds, not substance. New York City has authority to prohibit "deceptive or unconscionable" practices, and Levine believes trapping people in subscriptions qualifies.
Future Plans
Levine plans to continue tackling junk fees, building on the strongest-in-the-nation hotel junk fee rule. He foresees 2026 as a year of momentum, with additional policy initiatives to eliminate hidden fees and coordination with other agencies. Regarding partnership with the Trump administration, Levine said he is open to working together if it benefits consumers.
