Consumer Law in Detroit, MI
Do you need a consumer law attorney in Detroit, Michigan 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 Detroit, Michigan
Consumer fraud primarily refers to deceptive practices that can cause customers in Detroit 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 Detroit, MI 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 Patch Media, the most common scam in Michigan is fraudulent debt collectors. If you live in the Detroit area, you may have experienced this type of call. Since many people ignore them, fraudsters have started to fake the numbers of legitimate organizations.
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 Detroit you might be able to file a lawsuit against the responsible parties. Learning about the most common types of consumer fraud found under the law is the best place to start.
Identity Theft
This type of consumer fraud happens when a nefarious Detroit, MI 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 someone has access to your personal information, they can easily open credit cards or make fraudulent charges on existing accounts. In some cases, thieves even go as far as opening utility accounts in your name to establish residency. Once they’ve achieved this, they have more opportunities to apply for loans or additional credit.
In some instances, identity thieves access your bank account and drain all available funds. There are also reports of scams that target health insurance, placing fraudulent medical charges under your coverage. Proving identity theft can be complex and time-consuming. That’s why it’s crucial to enlist a skilled consumer law fraud attorney to help clear your name and protect your rights.
Fake Organizations
Spotting fake charities can be difficult since they often use the same tactics as legitimate organizations to request donations. That’s why it’s crucial to thoroughly research any cause, investment opportunity, or purchase before handing over your money.
In , , legitimate organizations should be registered with the state or verified as non-profits by the IRS. However, scammers can also register entities to appear credible while operating fraudulently. Always investigate how your money will be used to confirm you’re supporting a trustworthy organization or business.
Fake nonprofits made headlines in July 2021 when the Attorney General dissolved several with one legal action. As is often the case, this operation used legitimate-sounding names to convince locals to donate. For example, the scammers used names like United Way of Detroit and the American Red Cross of Detroit.
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 Detroit, Michigan.
Defective Products and Services
Legitimate Detroit, MI 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.
The details of a civil trial for product liability in the Michigan Compiled Laws are complex. In particular, the relationship between a seller and the manufacturer is a significant factor. In some cases, tampering or other manipulations by a merchant can make them liable. Otherwise, the company that made the product may have a legal obligation to repay a company in Detroit for damages.
Detroit, Michigan 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. Detroit, Michigan consumer laws also put measures in place to police false advertising and illegal debt collection practices.
Work With an Experienced Detroit, Michigan Consumer Law Attorney
Working with a consumer fraud attorney in Detroit 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 Detroit, MI 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 Michigan 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!
About the Author
Aaron is a professional legal writer with a B.S. in English Education from Southern Illinois University – Carbondale. He has written, published, and edited thousands of legal articles for RequestLegalHelp, which has connected over 5 million people to legal help in the United States.
With over five years of experience writing thousands of legal articles for law firms across the U.S. and Canada, Aaron specializes in covering federal, state, and city-level legal issues ranging from auto accidents to wrongful terminations.
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