Orlando Consumer Protection Lawyer
In free market societies, in which businesses are sometimes awarded more rights than individuals, consumers are often left feeling helpless, particularly when they have been taken advantage of due to false advertising or relentless robocalls. Fortunately, consumer protection laws under the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) offer these individuals a path forward for compensation when they have been wronged. If you have been taken advantage of by any type of business, or injured as a result of a defective product, an Orlando consumer protection lawyer will be able to help.
The Federal Trade Commission
Established in 1914, the Federal Trade Commission was created to prevent unfair types of competition in commerce. Throughout the years, the role of the FTC has changed, starting in 1938 with the prohibition against “unfair and deceptive acts or practices.” In the years to come, laws such as the Telemarketing Sales Rule, the Pay-Per-Call Rule, and the Equal Credit Opportunity Act were passed. Today, the main goal of the FTC is to protect consumers and competition “by preventing anticompetitive, deceptive, and unfair business practices. . .” The main branch within the FTC responsible for protecting consumers is the Bureau of Consumer Protection, which tackles deceptive, unfair, and fraudulent business practices.
Other Acts, Laws, and Governmental Agencies Tasked With Giving Rights Back to Consumers
- Consumer Product Safety Act (CPSA);
- Federal Food and Drug Act (FFDA);
- Consumer Protection Safety Commission (CPSC);
- Fair Credit Reporting Act;
- Fair Debt Collection Practices Act;
- Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act;
- National Do Not Call Registry (DNCR);
- Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act;
- Lemon Laws of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA); and
- Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
Examples of Common Deceptive and Unfair Business Tactics
- Robocalls—Robocalls, or spam phone calls that rely on an autodialer, have been increasing in prevalence in recent years. According to CNBC, robocalls increased by 60 percent from 2017 to 2018. Robocalls are part scam, part telemarketing, and are often used to trick unsuspecting people into purchasing something that the consumer does not know all the details about. Some companies have fraudulently used robocalls to make millions of dollars selling fake healthcare plans, according to the LA Times.
- Product liability claims—All consumer products must be designed properly, manufactured without dangerous flaws, and marketed to the correct user group. When a product, such as a car or a vacuum cleaner, causes an injury due to a defect, the injured party can sue for damages. Similarly, if the product did not come with a proper safety warning or user manual, and the injury resulted because of that, the victim can sue.
- Unfair debt collection practices—Debtors and debt collectors are regulated by the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act under the FTC. However, they still regularly engage in unlawful practices, such as making relentless phone calls at all times of the day.
An Orlando Consumer Protections Attorney is Here to Help
Victims of fraud, unfair debt collection, unfair or deceptive advertising, or any other practice protected under consumer rights laws can take action by filing a lawsuit against the appropriate party. To learn more about your rights as a consumer, call or contact The Pendas Law Firm at 1-844-200-0000 today to schedule a free consultation.
