The city never sleeps, and neither should your paycheck. If you’ve noticed your hours trimmed, tips missing, or unpaid overtime, you’re not imagining things. In a city as relentless as New York, wage theft is a quiet epidemic. And if you’re here wondering what to do next, you’re already taking the first step.
Wage theft in NYC happens when an employer denies you legally earned wages. It’s more common than most people think and often more complex than a missing check. Whether you work in hospitality or managing spreadsheets for a startup, your time has value. When it’s stolen, you have the right to take it back.
At the Law Offices of Supriya Kichloo, P.C., we know how deeply these violations affect real people. With over a decade of experience and a profound understanding of New York’s labor laws and multicultural workforce, we don’t just file complaints—we fight for dignity. If your employer withholds or manipulates your wages, we can craft a tailored strategy to help ensure you’re heard, respected, and fully compensated.
What Counts As Wage Theft in NYC?
Let’s begin by defining the crime. Wage theft in NYC isn’t a singular act. Instead, it’s a category of violations that may look subtle but carry real legal weight. The New York Labor Law (NYLL) and the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) provide broad protections, but enforcement starts with awareness.
You might be a victim of wage theft if your employer:
- Fails to pay you minimum wage for each hour worked;
- Refuses to pay legally required overtime for hours worked beyond 40 in a week;
- Forces you to work off the clock or “volunteer” time;
- Delays payment of wages beyond the legal payday;
- Misclassifies you as an independent contractor to avoid payroll taxes and benefits;
- Withholds tips, meal breaks, or commissions without legal justification; or
- Requires you to pay for work equipment, uniforms, or damages out of pocket.
Under the NYLL, each of these violations is illegal. In many cases, workers may receive up to 200% of the wages owed in liquidated damages, plus interest and attorney’s fees.
Can You Explain How to Report Wage Theft?
The process can feel murky if you’re trying to figure out how to report wage theft. However, New York has transparent systems in place to hold employers accountable. It starts with knowing where to go and what to do. Follow these steps to protect yourself and take action.
Gather Evidence
Create a paper trail. Even if your employer paid you in cash, you can build a case with:
- Time logs you kept,
- Texts or emails confirming hours or rates,
- Coworker testimony,
- Paystubs if you have them, and
- Photos of posted schedules or timesheets.
New York law is particularly generous here. Your word and documentation can carry weight even if the employer disputes your hours. Keep everything.
File an Internal Complaint (Optional)
Discuss the issue with your supervisor or HR department if you feel safe doing so. While not required, this shows that you tried to resolve things internally and can strengthen your case later.
Submit an NY Department of Labor Complaint Against an Employer
Filing a NY Department of Labor complaint against an employer is a decisive step. You can do this online, by mail, or in person.
You must complete the LS-223 form, which collects basic employment information, violation details, and the amount you believe your employer owes you. You can submit anonymously, but providing your contact info helps the investigation. You can file your form using the NY DOL Wage Complaint Portal. If your issue crosses into federal territory (for example, you work in interstate commerce or are owed overtime under the FLSA), you can also file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division.
Contact an Employment Lawyer
Government agencies move slowly. An attorney can move fast. A lawyer like Supriya Kichloo will help you calculate damages, gather evidence, and potentially file a private lawsuit, which may yield quicker and more substantial results.
No matter which route you choose, don’t wait. In New York, you typically have six years to bring a wage theft claim, but evidence fades, memories blur, and employers get bolder when no one pushes back.
What Happens After You File?
Once you submit your complaint, here’s what to expect:
- The Department of Labor will review and investigate your claim;
- Investigators may contact you and your employer for interviews and documents;
- If the agency finds a violation, it can issue a compliance order and pursue back pay; and
- You may also qualify for liquidated damages, penalties, and interest.
It’s worth noting that investigations can take months or even years to resolve. That’s where having an attorney matters. We can turn up the heat on your employer, seek a private resolution, or take your claim to court if necessary.
Why the Law Offices of Supriya Kichloo, P.C. Is the Right Choice to Help with Your Wage Claim
Wage theft cases aren’t just about math. They’re about trust, dignity, and standing up to power when it would be easier to stay quiet. Attorney Supriya Kichloo gets that. She’s not just an attorney; she’s a legal strategist who listens, builds, and leads. Whether you’re an immigrant worker afraid to come forward or a tech employee dealing with subtle financial exploitation, she’ll meet you where you are. With a free consultation and a deep understanding of the nuanced cultural and legal dynamics at play in wage theft cases, Supriya tailors each case to the client—not the playbook.
Your labor has value. Your time has meaning. No employer has the right to steal either. If you’re asking how to report wage theft, it’s because something inside you already knows this isn’t okay. You deserve better, and that starts now. Let the Law Offices of Supriya Kichloo, P.C. help you reclaim what’s yours. Contact us today for a free consultation and discover what justice feels like when it’s finally yours to hold.
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