Consumer Law in Houston, TX

Do you need a consumer law attorney in Houston, Texas 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 Houston, Texas

Consumer fraud primarily refers to deceptive practices that can cause customers in Houston 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 Houston, TX 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.

The Consumer Protection Division of the Texas Attorney General’s Office investigates complaints against Houston scammers. Furthermore, they can file civil cases and educate consumers on avoiding scams. In addition, the Harris County District Attorney prosecutes local fraud cases. Often, scammers flock to Houston after a natural disaster, such as a hurricane, flood, or winter storm. Harris County provides tips on protecting yourself. The scammer may claim to be from your bank, insurance company, or even FEMA.

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 Houston 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 Houston, TX 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 Houston 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 Houston, TX 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.

According to the Texas Attorney General’s Office, Texas law does not require most charities to register with the state. However, Houston residents can still research a charity before donating. Once place to start would be the Better Business Bureau of Greater Houston and South Texas. In addition, many scammers are now using individual crowdfunding platforms, such as GoFundMe. These scams can be hard to spot, since they may appear to come from a local community organization or even someone you know. If you choose to donate to any charity, The Houston FBI office recommends using a check or credit card.

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 Houston, Texas.

Defective Products and Services

Legitimate Houston, TX 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 Texas Product Liability Act governs defective product cases in Houston. The statutes allow plaintiffs to bring their case under several legal theories. These can include any combination of strict liability, negligence, misrepresentation, or breach of warranty. However, there is a rebuttable presumption against liability if the defendant was in compliance with all federal safety regulations. In addition, Houston plaintiffs must file their claims within 2 years of the injury and within 15 years of when the product was first sold.

Houston, Texas 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. Houston, Texas consumer laws also put measures in place to police false advertising and illegal debt collection practices.

Work With an Experienced Houston, Texas Consumer Law Attorney

Working with a consumer fraud attorney in Houston 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 Houston, TX 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 Texas 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!