Consumer fraud is an extremely common problem, experienced by people of all backgrounds and financial situations at one time or another. Home improvement contractors, tele-marketers, insurance companies and agents, financial "advisors" and retail establishments are just a few of the many sellers which commonly mislead consumers.
In order to prevent such abuses, the State of New Jersey has enacted the New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act, N.J.S.A. 56:8-1, et seq., which is one of the strongest consumer protection laws in the United States. The law provides treble damages and attorneys fees to successful plaintiffs, the purpose of which is to encourage actions for even "small" injustices. We at McDowell Riga agree that no consumer should be the victim of fraud, even if it is for a small amount of money.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What are the different types of consumer fraud?
Consumer fraud can be carried out in a number of ways. False and misleading advertising, auto fraud, insurance fraud, unfair debt collection, deceptive internet practices, and the sale of defective products are just a few examples of the types of consumer fraud that exist.
What are some examples of consumer fraud?
Consumer fraud can occur when a company or its representative employs high-pressure or deceptive sales tactics, misrepresents or lies about the capabilities, functioning, or quality of a product or service, offers one product but delivers another (called bait and switch), uses fine print to defraud consumers, improperly bills for a product or service, and more.
How are consumers protected against fraudulent business practices?
Both state and federal laws protect consumers from unfair and deceptive business practices. Consumer fraud laws, such as New Jersey's Consumer Fraud Act, N.J.S.A. 56:8-1, et seq., also regulate the way that businesses are allowed to advertise, promote, and sell their products and broadly prohibit deception when dealing with consumers. The Federal Trade Commission works to prevent fraudulent, deceptive and unfair business practices in the marketplace and to provide information to help consumers spot, stop, and avoid fraud. The federal agency published countless consumer resources, which provide extremely valuable for consumers. State attorneys general offices and state consumer protection agencies also serve to protect the public from fraud.
While these agencies are responsible for investigating consumer fraud complaints, they do not help individual consumers recover their losses. This is best achieved with the help of a qualified consumer fraud lawyer.
What should I do after I have experienced consumer fraud?
The best way to protect your interests is to seek the early advice of a qualified consumer fraud attorney. By speaking with an attorney, you can get answers to your questions and determine the best way to exercise your legal rights.
If you believe that you have been a victim of consumer fraud and seek legal representation from dedicated lawyers with a profound commitment to personal service, call the New Jersey and Pennsylvania law offices of McDowell Riga to schedule a free initial consultation with one of the firm's attorneys.
McDowell Riga, A Professional Corporation
Attorneys at Law
46 West Main Street
Maple Shade, NJ 08052
Phone: 856-482-5544 ▪ Fax: 856-482-5511 ▪ E-mail
842 West Lancaster Avenue
2nd Floor
Bryn Mawr, PA 19010
Phone: 610-525-5518 ▪ Fax: 610-525-5521 ▪ E-mail