2006 New York Code - Powers And Duties Of The Commissioner.

 
    §  20-493  Powers  and duties of the commissioner. a. The commissioner
  may make and promulgate such rules and regulations as may  be  necessary
  for the proper implementation and enforcement of subchapter.
    b.  In  addition  to  any  other  powers  of  the commissioner, not in
  limitation thereof, the commissioner shall have the power to enforce the
  provisions of this subchapter, to investigate any violation thereof, and
  to investigate the business, business practices and business methods  of
  any  debt collection agency, if in the opinion of the commissioner, such
  investigation is warranted. Each debt collection agency shall be obliged
  upon the request of the commissioner to supply such information  as  may
  be required concerning its business practices or methods or its proposed
  business practices or methods.
    c. For the purpose of enforcing the provisions of this subchapter, and
  in  conducting investigations relating to any violation thereof, and for
  the purpose of investigating  the  business  or  business  practices  or
  methods  of  any  debt  collection  agency,  the  commissioner,  or  the
  commissioner's designee, shall have the power to compel  the  attendance
  of witnesses and the production of books and records, in accordance with
  the provisions of chapter one of this title.
    d.  For  the  purpose  of  this  subchapter,  licensees  may  be  held
  responsible for statements, representations, promises or acts  of  their
  employees or their agents within the scope of their authority; provided,
  however,   that   licensees  shall  not  be  held  responsible  for  the
  statements, representations, promises or  acts  which  are  contrary  to
  instructions  or  which constitute gross negligence or intentional torts
  unless specifically authorized by the licensee.