Consumer Fraud Attorney Decatur GA
When we buy something, we need to be able to trust the person selling to us to tell the truth. When a company sells you something fraudulently, they are breaking the law. Decatur, DeKalb County Attorney Andrew Lynch can help you fight back against consumer fraud, and right the wrongs that a seller may make against you.
According to the Official Code of Georgia § 10-1-393(a), “Unfair or deceptive acts or practices in the conduct of consumer transactions and consumer acts or practices in trade or commerce are declared unlawful.” This law holds sellers and services to a standard of honesty when interacting with customers. Consumer fraud is lying, and is a moral and legal crime against you when it is committed.
If you have experienced any of the following, then you may have a consumer fraud case:
- Been lied to about the condition of a car or any other item before purchasing it.
- Been sold an item as new, and later learned that this item was actually used.
- Been lied to about the source of a product, for example being sold a knock-off purse for the full price of an authentic purse of that brand.
- Been lied to about the certifications of a service provider.
- Been lied to about the uses of a product, for example being sold a medication for a use that it is not actually specified for.
These are just a few of the many situations that can lead to a successful consumer fraud case. Do not stand for being lied to. If you discover that you are a victim of consumer fraud, contact Andrew Lynch in Decatur, DeKalb County, Georgia for a free consultation, and help hold businesses to the standard of the law.
As a consumer in Georgia and throughout the United States, you have the legal right to truthful information about products and services you purchase or wish to purchase. Both state and federal legislation regulate advertisements including any type of misleading, deceptive, or false claims made by a business about the purpose, quality, or price of the product or service. Even so misleading or false advertisement does happen, and when it does, significant financial fraud or injury can occur. The fraud lawyers at The Law Offices Of Andrew Lynch, Attorney at Law have been acting as legal advocates for individuals who have been defrauded by companies of all sizes. If you believe you have been the victim of fraud, please call a consumer fraud attorney in Decatur GA.
Understanding Fraud in Decatur GA
Many consumer fraud cases involve small to moderate damages and are resolved in a short period of time. Other cases are very complex, include injury from a hazardous product, and require extensive investigation and a very strong defense. There are also fraud cases that involve multiple people who have been similarly defrauded and wish to bring forth a claim, (i.e. class action lawsuit) against the company (ies) to obtain monetary compensation.
The Most Common Types of Fraud
As a consumer fraud attorney in Decatur GA, each member of our firm have handled many cases involving fraud. Some of the most common types of fraud that we see on a regular basis include:
False or Deceptive Advertising – This is the leading reason for consumer fraud complaints to be filed. While a business is able to advertise a product or service in a positive light, and exaggerate to a certain extent, it is possible that their claims evolve into consumer fraud. Sometimes a consumer fraud attorney in Decatur GA can be consulted for advice on whether or not a lawsuit can be filed.
Unfair Pricing – Consumer fraud might be applicable when a business implements unfair pricing schemes to sell a product or service. An example of this is advertising one price and then selling it for another at the store. Concealing certain costs of a purchase, such as processing costs, might also constitute as being consumer fraud.
Selling Unsafe Products – When a business sells defective products, they could be accountable for consumer fraud, negligence, personal injury, and more. This type of fraud case is typically overseen by a Decatur GA consumer fraud attorney.
Internet Fraud – As internet based commerce grows, so too does online fraud. Some of these schemes are updated versions of popular scams and others rely on new technology to take advantage of people. One example of internet fraud is the Nigerian Prince scam. In this an email is sent to a person that tells them money is being held in a foreign bank account and can be released upon making a payment or providing information about the victims current bank account. When the victim follows through with the request, the fraudster can use the information to steal money from his or her bank account. These types of cases can be difficult to pursue, especially when international parties are involved. If you suspect you are the victim of internet fraud, please call our law firm for further advice.
Unfair Terms and Conditions – If a business has included terms and conditions of a product or service that are deemed to be unfair, they may be committing fraud. An example of this is a business using personal information in a way that the victim would not have allowed had they been aware of the T&Cs.
Discuss Your Fraud Claim Today
If you are a consumer who has been affected by a fraudulent business, you may be able to recover compensation To speak with a consumer fraud attorney Decatur GA clients recommend at The Law Offices Of Andrew Lynch, Attorney at Law, please call today.
Consumer Fraud: 10 Vital Steps to Take if You’ve Been a Victim
A trusted Decatur, GA consumer fraud attorney understands that discovering that you’ve fallen victim to consumer fraud can be distressing and disheartening. However, it’s crucial to take immediate action to protect yourself and seek a resolution. It is important to know what you should do following a consumer fraud incident and to speak with a lawyer you can trust from The Law Offices Of Andrew Lynch.
- Gather All Evidence: Collect and organize all relevant documents, emails, receipts, contracts, and any communication with the fraudulent party. This evidence will be essential when reporting the fraud and seeking restitution.
- Contact the Company Involved: Reach out to the company responsible for the fraud through their official customer service channels. Stay calm, explain the situation, and provide the evidence you’ve gathered. In some cases, it could be a misunderstanding that can be resolved promptly.
- Dispute Unauthorized Charges: If the consumer fraud involves unauthorized charges on your credit card or bank account, immediately contact your financial institution to dispute the transactions. They can guide you through the dispute process and potentially reverse the charges.
- File a Complaint with Relevant Authorities: Report the consumer fraud to appropriate regulatory agencies, such as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in the United States or consumer protection agencies in your country. This helps alert authorities about the fraudulent activities and potentially leads to investigations.
- File a Police Report: If you believe the consumer fraud is criminal in nature, file a police report with your local law enforcement agency. Provide them with all the evidence you’ve gathered, as it can aid in their investigation.
- Check Your Credit Report: Monitor your credit report for any suspicious activity resulting from the consumer fraud. Report any unauthorized accounts or inquiries to the credit bureaus and place a fraud alert or credit freeze on your accounts for added protection.
- Notify Other Affected Parties: If you’ve identified others who may have fallen victim to the same consumer fraud scheme, consider notifying them about the incident. Collaborating with other victims can strengthen your case and increase the chances of holding the fraudulent party accountable.
- Seek Legal Advice: Consult with a trusted Decatur consumer fraud attorney to understand your rights and explore legal options. They can guide you through the legal process, advocate on your behalf, and help you seek compensation.
- Keep Detailed Records: Maintain a comprehensive record of all communications, transactions, and actions taken in response to the consumer fraud. This documentation can be invaluable in any legal proceedings or negotiations.
- Strengthen Your Online Security: Protect yourself from future fraud by enhancing your online security. Update passwords regularly, enable multi-factor authentication, and be cautious about sharing personal information online.
Being a victim of consumer fraud can be distressing, but taking immediate and strategic action is crucial to mitigate the damage and seek resolution. Gathering evidence, contacting the company involved, disputing unauthorized charges, reporting the fraud to authorities, and seeking legal advice are all essential steps to protect yourself and hold the fraudulent party accountable. Remember to stay vigilant about your financial accounts and online security to prevent future fraud incidents. When you are ready, reach out to a trusted Decatur consumer fraud attorney from The Law Offices Of Andrew Lynch to see how we can help today.
