Are online purchases covered by New York's consumer protection laws?

What the Law Says

New York’s consumer protection laws explicitly cover online transactions because they regulate 'any person' engaging in 'consumer-oriented conduct'—regardless of sales channel.

The cornerstone of New York consumer protection is General Business Law (GBL) § 349, which prohibits 'deceptive acts or practices in the conduct of any business, trade or commerce or in the furnishing of any service.' The law applies broadly to all forms of consumer interaction—including websites, apps, and email marketing.

Similarly, GBL § 350 bans 'false advertising'—defined as 'advertising, in any manner, articles or services with intent to sell or dispose of such articles or services, or to increase the consumption thereof, or to induce the public in any manner to enter into any obligation relating thereto, and which is false or misleading in a material respect.' This includes online product descriptions, pricing displays, and promotional claims.

Courts have confirmed that e-commerce falls squarely within these statutes’ reach: if a New York resident makes a purchase from a website accessible in the state—and the seller targets or does business in New York—the transaction is subject to GBL §§ 349 and 350.

Statutory Text

Deceptive acts or practices in the conduct of any business, trade or commerce or in the furnishing of any service.

— General Business Law § 349(a) — Deceptive acts or practices

Statutory Text

Advertising, in any manner, articles or services with intent to sell or dispose of such articles or services... and which is false or misleading in a material respect.

— General Business Law § 350 — False advertising

Sources