Not all businesses play by the rules. Many companies knowingly violate the law. For example, a company may sell a defective or poorly manufactured product that leads to consumer injuries. Other businesses may engage in deceptive advertising or fail to reveal that they’re charging certain fees. In its most extreme form, consumer fraud can result in serious financial loss, bankruptcy, injury, or even death.
If you’ve been the victim of a faulty product, false and misleading advertising, or other types of consumer fraud, you could seek recourse in court by filing a consumer fraud claim. State and federal consumer protection laws were created specifically to protect consumers from unscrupulous business practices. However, some companies ignore these laws because they value profits over fairness and consumer safety.
Fraud is intentional deception in order to gain something from the person being deceived. Consumer fraud occurs in a business transaction when false statements of fact are made, the person who made those false statements knew that they were false, and the other party in the transaction relies on the false statements to their detriment. Unfortunately, business and consumer fraud have become commonplace in our society. Examples of consumer fraud cases include the following:
Consumers in Ohio and across the country are legally entitled to have truthful information presented to them about products and services they wish to purchase. Furthermore, when a bank, credit card company, or other type of company enters into business with you, they are obligated to treat you fairly. If a company acts in their own best interest instead of yours or they act negligently, the law is on your side.
A consumer fraud attorney in Ohio can help you take legal action against a company, which may include filing an individual or class action lawsuit. An attorney may assist you in identifying those responsible, determining whether there are any co-conspirators, and gathering documentary evidence. An attorney can also notify the Ohio attorney general or urge the government to carry out a criminal investigation if appropriate. Many instances of consumer fraud include multiple plaintiffs who share the same complaint against a company. After evaluating your case, an attorney may determine that you’re eligible to join other plaintiffs in a class action lawsuit.
If you have been the victim of fraud or wrongdoing by a business, don’t suffer in silence. Consulting with an experienced consumer fraud lawyer is the best place to start. Being a victim of consumer fraud is frustrating, but having a skilled attorney by your side can make a huge difference.
Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with Jones Law Group. We have broad expertise in consumer protection cases and have successfully represented individuals victimized by commercial fraud. We’ll review your case and help you determine the best course of action. Call (614) 545-9998 or contact us online to get in touch.
JLG Attorney Rob Flaugher to Speak at Litigation Seminar on 7/31/15
Jones Law Group Attorney Rob Flaugher will be a featured speaker at the National Business Institute litigation CLE seminar “Dirty Litigation Tactics: How to Deal with the “Rambo” Litigator” at the Hilton Garden Inn Columbus Airport on July 31, 2015. For more information go to: http://www.nbi-sems.com/Details.aspx/R-69518ER%7C?ctname=SPKEM
READ MORE →A special thank you to Jones Law Group attorneys Kevin Larrimer and Nick Kolitsos for helping me with my STRS disability claim. They are both very competent and well versed in Ohio STRS disability law and were able to succeed in my claim where I was unable on my own. I want to believe that […]