Consumer Fraud and Protection Lawyers

Any person who purchases a product or service is potentially at risk of being swindled. Even the most skeptical and savvy consumer can fall victim to consumer fraud. It can happen in a variety of different ways – from making an overpayment for services to purchasing a vehicle that turns out to be a lemon. Some corporations resort to deceptive actions to give them a financial edge due to facing the economic pressures of a competitive marketplace.

Deceptive Business Practices

Federal and state laws define specific acts as deceptive trade practices. Trade practices commonly identified as deceptive can include (but are not limited to):

• The false representation of a source, sponsorship, approval, certification, accessories, characteristics, benefits, or quantities of goods or services
• Representing goods as original or new when they are altered, reconditioned, deteriorated, reclaimed, or used
• Falsely stating that specific services, replacements, or repairs need to be done when they are not needed at all
• Failing to sell goods or services as advertised
• Advertising goods or services while knowingly having inadequate stock on hand to meet public demand
• Tampering with or resetting the odometer of a vehicle to reduce the number of miles indicated to sell it at a better price
• Passing off goods and services as those of another brand (i.e., counterfeit goods)
• Representing products or services as having approval, sponsorship, or certification of goods and services

Consumer fraud class actions are initiated when a company overcharges or improperly charges consumers for goods or services or runs deceptive or misleading ads for its products. Companies also commit consumer fraud when they interpret a contract or agreement in a manner that unfairly disadvantages consumers.

Defective Products

Every day, consumers throughout the United States are seriously injured or killed by a poorly designed or defective manufactured products or equipment. Corporations often place a greater priority on profits than the quality control of their manufacturing processes and safe design.

Any product could potentially be defective. Products can be labeled defective if they are severely dangerous and do not have the proper safety precautions, directions for their use, or warnings for the public. Defective products often cause motor vehicle accidents because of faulty air bags, seat belts, breaks, and tires, as well as in products used every day such as children’s toys, lawn mowers, and appliances.

At the expense of the consumer, corporations unfairly profit by taking advantage of customers through fraudulent conduct. Consumer protection laws are designed to protect consumers’ rights by providing remedies to hold those corporations accountable. Your rights as a consumer are protected under both federal and state law.

Contact Us

At Hach Rose Schirripa & Cheverie LLP, our experienced attorneys help clients understand consumer fraud laws. We have multiple, long-established practices focused on consumer protection and government regulation in the areas of consumer fraud. Our attorneys are skilled in assisting consumers with investigations and lawsuits, as well as certified class actions. If you have purchased a defective product or have been the victim of deceptive advertising, contact us at 212-213-8311 for a consultation.