Consumer Law in Phoenix, AZ

Do you need a consumer law attorney in Phoenix, Arizona 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 Phoenix, Arizona

Consumer fraud primarily refers to deceptive practices that can cause customers in Phoenix 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 Phoenix, AZ 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 Maricopa County Attorney’s Office provides a list of common scams plaguing County residents. Some of these scams include utility scams, work-from-home scams, romance scams, lottery scams, and grandparent scams. Utility scammers impersonate utility companies and demand payment for overdue bills from residential and business customers. In fact, 246 Maricopa County residents reported a utility scam with total losses of $3,000 in just one month in 2021. Phoenix residents can submit complaints involving scam activity to the Arizona Attorney General and the Federal Trade Commission.

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 Phoenix 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 Phoenix, AZ 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 Phoenix 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 Phoenix, AZ 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.

Unlike many states, Arizona does not require nonprofits to register with the state before soliciting contributions. In addition, the Arizona Department of Gaming reports that no Arizona agency regulates charitable raffles. However, there are rules that determine whether a raffle is legal in the state. On the other hand, charity bingo operators must obtain a license from the Arizona Department of Revenue. Specifically, Class B and Class C licensees are dedicated to raising funds for their sponsoring charitable organizations.

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 Phoenix, Arizona.

Defective Products and Services

Legitimate Phoenix, AZ 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 Arizona statute, a Phoenix defendant is not liable in a product liability action if they can prove any of the following:

• The product design, or the methods of manufacturing, testing, and labeling conformed with the state of the art at the time the product was sold

• A modification of the product that was not reasonably foreseeable was the proximate cause of the incident and was not made by the defendant

• The product was used in a manner that was contrary to adequate instructions or warnings on the product label.

• The proximate cause of the injury was the repeated consumption of a food product that is not defective or unreasonably dangerous if consumed in reasonable quantities

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

Work With an Experienced Phoenix, Arizona Consumer Law Attorney

Working with a consumer fraud attorney in Phoenix 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 Phoenix, AZ 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 Arizona 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!