Consumer Law in Lansing, MI

Do you need a consumer law attorney in Lansing, 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 Lansing, Michigan

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

The Attorney General of Michigan encourages all residents of Lansing to be on guard against scammers and their tactics. Especially those dealing with telemarketers and robocalls. Traditional warning signs surrounding these types of scams include:

• Encouragement not to share the call with family or friends

• Pressure to act now, or lose the offer

• Requests to send money or gift cards to secure the offer

• Encouragement not to research the company because it is “well established”

The Michigan Secretary of State has set up a tip line that allows Lansing residents to report potential scammers.

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 Lansing 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 Lansing, 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 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 Lansing 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 Lansing, MI 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.

Michigan’s Charitable Organizations and Solicitations Act affirms that all charities soliciting donations in Lansing have to register annually with the Michigan Secretary of State. Several fraudulent organizations posing as legitimate charities were recently dissolved by the Attorney General of Michigan. These fraudulent organizations had purposely chosen names that were similar enough to established charities so as to confuse donors, or discourage anyone from researching the charities themselves.

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 Lansing, Michigan.

Defective Products and Services

Legitimate Lansing, 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 able to receive compensation for damages. This circumstance is why car manufacturers issue recalls and repairs when they realize something has gone wrong.

According to the Michigan Legislature, residents of Lansing that have been harmed by a defective product are under a strict 3 year statute of limitations to file their claim. However, if a resident has substantially altered a product, or if the product has been used in an unreasonable manner, a manufacturer can no longer be held liable for injuries or damages. It will most likely be in the best interest of your claim to consult with an experienced attorney in Lansing.

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

Work With an Experienced Lansing, Michigan Consumer Law Attorney

Working with a consumer fraud attorney in Lansing 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 Lansing, 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!