Consumer Law in Lancaster, PA

Do you need a consumer law attorney in Lancaster, Pennsylvania 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 Lancaster, Pennsylvania

Consumer fraud primarily refers to deceptive practices that can cause customers in Lancaster 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 Lancaster, PA 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 Lancaster Bureau of Police reports that scam activity typically increases during the end-of-year holiday season. Some trends include calls for payments using gift cards. Scammers will request this type of payment for a variety of schemes, including social security, malware, and computer repair scams. In addition, residential rental scams involve scammers posting old rental property listings with a new telephone number. However, the scammer refuses to show the listing in person because of Covid-19. The renter pays the deposit anyways using CashApp, but never receives the keys in the mail.

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 Lancaster 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 Lancaster, PA 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 Lancaster 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 Lancaster, PA 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.

Pennsylvania’s Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organizations (BCCO) administers the state’s charitable solicitation law. In addition, BCCO provides a list of disciplinary, enforcement or corrective measures taken against charities in the state. For example, BCCO issued cease and desist orders against 12 Steps Ahead Holistic Recovery Center in 2019, and Active Duty Support Services in 2017. Lancaster residents can file a complaint against a charitable organization online with the Pennsylvania Department of State.

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 Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

Defective Products and Services

Legitimate Lancaster, PA 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.

In 2014, Pennsylvania’s Supreme Court addressed the proper standard under Pennsylvania law for strict liability claims relating to allegedly defective products. In Tincher v. Omega Flex, the Court adopted a new standard for determining whether a product is defective. Specifically, the plaintiff can prove the product’s defective condition by showing either that:

• The danger is unknowable and unacceptable to the average consumer; or

• A reasonable person would conclude that the probability and seriousness of harm outweigh the burden or costs of taking precautions

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

Work With an Experienced Lancaster, Pennsylvania Consumer Law Attorney

Working with a consumer fraud attorney in Lancaster 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 Lancaster, PA 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 Pennsylvania 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!