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What is consumer fraud?

Consumer fraud refers to the unfair practices and the deceptive tactics used by business and companies to gain financial benefits at the unfortunate expense of consumers. These unfair practices and deceptive tactics are prosecuted as consumer fraud class action lawsuits because the individual financial losses are often minimal, and consumers usually don’t have the financial backing to pursue an independent legal claim. The class action lawsuits help all consumers who have experienced a similar consumer fraud practice. The lawsuits collect compensation for the financial damages sustained by the fraudulent actions.

When can consumer fraud occur?

Companies or representatives of the companies can commit consumer fraud when they:

  • Misrepresent the quality, functions, or capabilities of a product or service
  • Offer one product, but supply another
  • Defraud consumers with fine print
  • Bill the service or product improperly
  • Offer defective products
  • Use deceptive sales tactics

There are several ways in which companies may commit consumer fraud. Some of these tactics are obvious while others are less so. You may contact a consumer fraud attorney to help you determine if you are a victim of consumer fraud. You have rights under the law and an attorney will help you protect those rights.

What laws are in place to protect consumers from consumer fraud?

There are several federal and state laws in place that protect all consumers from deceptive, fraudulent, and unfair business tactics. In addition to protecting consumers, these federal and state laws prohibit businesses from deceiving their consumers and also regulate how businesses are permitted to handle their products when it comes to:

  • Advertising
  • Promoting
  • Selling

The Federal Trade Commission is a federal agency that publishes resources to help educate consumers on how to avoid fraudulent business practices as well as spot and stop them. There are many agencies that work to prevent business fraud and to protect consumers. These agencies include:

  • The Federal Trade Commission
  • The state Attorney’s General Office
  • The state Consumer Protection Agency

These agencies are in charge of preventing consumer fraud and investigating consumer fraud. However, these agencies do not aid consumers in recovering any losses they have endured. Contacting an experienced consumer fraud lawyer is the best course of action when wanting to recover any financial losses. A lawyer will help all consumers who have experienced similar fraudulent business tactics by filing a class action lawsuit. A lawyer will help consumers acquire compensation for:

  • Financial losses
  • Litigation costs
  • Other losses or damages caused by consumer fraud

What course of action can I take if I have been victimized by fraudulent business tactics?

As you realize you are a victim, seek the advice of a qualified and experienced consumer fraud attorney. There is a chance that other consumers have been defrauded by the same business. You might be able to be part of a class action lawsuit against the company along with the other consumers who have been victims of the business’s fraudulent tactics. Your attorney will also be able to answer all of your questions and help you contact the correct government agencies to officially file your complaint.

Contacting and speaking with an attorney about your legal rights will not cost you any money. Attorneys at Jacoby & Meyers work on what’s called a contingency fee basis. This means that you do not pay any money until after the class action lawsuit is resolved successfully.

How do I contact an experienced and qualified consumer fraud attorney?

Please contact our office by calling 1.800.411.LAW or by using our contact form. The experienced consumer fraud attorneys at Jacoby & Meyers will help you understand your legal rights and get the compensation you deserve.