Consumer Law in Charleston, WV

Do you need a consumer law attorney in Charleston, West Virginia to fight for your rights and bring fraudsters to justice? We can match you with the right lawyer to help you reclaim your rights.

Common Types of Consumer Fraud in Charleston, West Virginia

Consumer fraud primarily refers to deceptive practices that can cause customers in Charleston to suffer financial, physical, or emotional injury. Fraudulent practices may also occur at the individual level. For instance, when someone falls victim to lottery scams. Consumer law refers to the regulations that define unlawful actions and how consumers can seek justice.

Sometimes, becoming a victim of consumer fraud in Charleston, WV can also lead to criminal charges against you. As an example, it can be strenuous to clear your name after you donate to a charitable organization involved with money laundering.

According to the West Virginia Attorney General (AG), West Virginia has one of the most aged populations in the county. Since seniors are often victims of scams, the AG provides information on the most common schemes in the state. These scams include utility scams, sweepstakes scams, grandparent scams, dating scams and tech support scams. Health insurance scams, Medicare scams, and contractor scams are also common schemes aimed at seniors.

Many people are embarrassed about falling for a scam, so they suffer in silence. But, speaking up can help to bring the persons responsible to justice. Even when it does not, it helps to spread awareness and stop other consumers from falling victim.

What Types of Fraud are in Consumer Law?

If you suffered damages because of consumer fraud in Charleston you might be able to file a lawsuit against the responsible parties. Learning about the most common types of consumer fraud found under law is the best place to start.

Identity Theft

This type of consumer fraud happens when a nefarious Charleston, WV company or individual steals your personal information. They might steal your bank account information, Social Security number, full name, or credit card numbers. One of the most common identity theft methods is this “data mining”.

Once an individual has your personal information, they can open credit cards or make fraudulent charges on existing ones. Some thieves will even open utility accounts in your name as a way to prove residency. Once they can accomplish this task, they have even more options to apply for loans or credit cards.

Some identity thieves gain access to your bank account and drain all the funds that you have available. There are also reports of scams that access health insurance and place medical charges on the victim’s insurance. Proving that you are a victim of identity theft can be very complicated. Consequently, hiring a dedicated Charleston consumer law fraud lawyer is essential to proving your innocence.

Fake Organizations

Fake charities are difficult to spot. Often, they use the same techniques legitimate ones rely on to raise funds. That’s why it’s important for you to understand where your money is going, before you donate to an organization. The same is true when investing or purchasing goods and services.

You can identify if any Charleston, WV organization is legitimate if they have registration in the state. Or, the IRS should verify their non-profit status. But, scammers can legitimately register organizations for illegal purposes. Always take the time to research how your money gets used before investing in a business or donating to charity.

Under West Virginia’s Solicitation of Charitable Funds Act, Charleston charitable organizations cannot use deceptive and dishonest statements and conduct the solicitation of funds. In addition, charitable organizations raising more than $500,000 per year in contributions must submit a report of an audit by an independent certified public accountant. Furthermore, any person that violates the Act is guilty of a misdemeanor. For a first conviction, the perpetrator can face up to $500 in fines and up to 6 months in jail.

When it comes to products and services, looking up customer reviews can help. The more reviews a product or service has, the more likely it is a legitimate organization. However, people can buy these illegally. In addition to this, anyone can build a website or register an empty LLC in Charleston, West Virginia.

Defective Products and Services

Legitimate Charleston, WV companies often create defective products and services. For example:

• Products that do not work as intended
• Products that have harmful design flaws
• Medications that do not mention all side effects
• Services that do not deliver on promises

Even when this is not intentional, consumers might be entitled to compensation for damages. This circumstance is why car manufacturers issue recalls and repairs when they realize something has gone wrong.

Under West Virginia Code, the statute of limitations for product liability actions is two years. However, no product liability action can be maintained against a seller unless certain criteria are met. These criteria include:

• The seller had actual knowledge of the defect in the product that was a proximate cause of the harm

• The seller exercised substantial control over the manufacture, construction, design, formula, installation, preparation, assembly, testing, labeling, warnings or instructions of the product

• Sellers altered, modified or installed the product after the product left the possession of the manufacturer

Charleston, West Virginia Consumer Protection Laws and How Consumer Law Works

The Federal Trade Commission Act of 1914 is arguably the most important consumer protection law in the United States. It established the Federal Trade Commission to protect consumers from deceptive business practices. It does this for individual cases and to target monopolies. Some of the FTC’s work includes conducting investigations, collecting complaints, and filing lawsuits. Additionally, other federal laws protect public consumers against deceptive transactions. These include the agriculture, real estate, food, and beverage industries. Charleston, West Virginia consumer laws also put measures in place to police false advertising and illegal debt collection practices.

Work With an Experienced Charleston, West Virginia Consumer Law Attorney

Working with a consumer fraud attorney in Charleston can help you understand your rights. The appropriate professional from our network of legal experts will help you understand the FTC guidelines. You’ll discover what types of complaints you can make against the organization that has committed fraud against you. A qualified Charleston, WV consumer fraud attorney will also guide you through working with law enforcement. The goal is to bring the fraudulent business practices against other customers and yourself to light.

Are you looking to hire an experienced consumer law lawyer near you? Get help and file a claim against the entity that committed consumer fraud against you. We can even help you connect with an attorney across West Virginia state lines.

Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in your area!