Every customer deserves the freedom to make an informed decision
Some businesses try to take away this fundamental consumer right. They may engage in deceptive business practices by making false or misleading claims about their products or services. Fortunately, California has powerful consumer protection laws designed to protect consumers from unfair, fraudulent, and deceptive business practices.
What Are Consumer Protection Laws?
State and federal consumer laws safeguard your legal rights as a customer and help protect important things in your life:
- Home
- Family
- Health
- Safety
- Bank account
- Privacy and personal information
- Credit rating
Consumer protection laws can hold businesses accountable for false advertising, deceptive practices, fraud, and other unlawful conduct. They also give customers ways to fight back against defective products, dangerous services, and businesses that engage in unlawful practices.
What Protection Do Consumers Have in California?
California has one of the most comprehensive sets of consumer protection laws in the United States. These laws address many potentially harmful business practices, including:
- Fraud and false advertising
- Defective products
- Fraudulent charges
- Unlawful or excessive interest charges
- Unsolicited automated robocalls or phone calls
- Improper collection, use, sale, or sharing of personal information
- Other violations of consumer privacy rights
What Is False Advertising?
Deceptive advertising can include conduct that misleads consumers into making a purchasing decision based on false or inaccurate information. Here are some common examples:
- Claims of health benefits: Products falsely claim to improve your health or treat diseases.
- Earth friendly: Products falsely claim to be biodegradable, compostable, or environmentally friendly.
- “Sale” pricing: A business raises prices just before putting items on “sale.”
- False quality claims: Products are advertised as having a quality or being made from materials they do not actually have.
- Unsubstantiated claims: Products make claims about their origin that may not be accurate, such as improperly claiming to be made in the USA.
- University fraud: A university or educational institution makes representations about employment opportunities, internships, certifications, or other benefits that it does not provide.
What Are Class Action Lawsuits and How Do They Work in California?
When a business engages in fraud, false advertising, or other potentially unlawful practices, many consumers may be affected by the same conduct. Some consumer protection violations involve thousands or even millions of people.
In certain circumstances, claims involving widespread conduct may be pursued through a class action lawsuit. Class actions allow people affected by similar alleged conduct to pursue their claims collectively rather than through numerous separate lawsuits.
What Legal Rights Do You Have?
Businesses have obligations to comply with applicable advertising and consumer protection laws. Consumers who have been harmed by potentially unlawful practices may have legal options depending on the circumstances.
Sometimes an individual claim may be appropriate; in other circumstances, widespread conduct affecting many consumers may be addressed through a class action lawsuit. The available options depend on factors such as the type of conduct involved, the applicable laws, and the harm consumers experienced.
Who Should You Contact for Consumer Fraud in California?
There are several avenues for reporting false advertising and other potentially unlawful consumer practices. The Federal Trade Commission handles consumer protection matters at the federal level. In California, consumers may also be able to contact agencies such as the Department of Consumer Affairs, Office of the Attorney General, or other state and local agencies depending on the issue.
You can also speak with the experienced consumer protection attorneys at Matern Law Group. Our team can evaluate your situation, help you understand your rights, and discuss potential legal options under California consumer protection laws. Learn more about your consumer rights today.
- https://www.investopedia.com/articles/pf/10/know-your-consumer-protection-laws.asp
- https://www.findlaw.com/state/california-law/california-deceptive-trade-practices-laws.html
- https://dcba.lacounty.gov/portfolio/false-advertising/
- https://www.justia.com/consumer/deceptive-practices-and-fraud/false-advertising/
- https://law.justia.com/codes/california/2012/bpc/division-7/part-3/chapter-1/article-1/section-17500/
