Consumer Law in San Diego, CA

Do you need a consumer law attorney in San Diego, California 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 San Diego, California

Consumer fraud primarily refers to deceptive practices that can cause customers in San Diego 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 San Diego, CA 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 San Diego County District Attorney provides a list of common scams currently plaguing San Diego County residents. These scams include phony Covid-19 tests, Facebook Marketplace scams, phony Superior Court calls, and the Social Security Administration scam. For example, scammers are currently selling counterfeit Covid-19 tests on fraudulent websites. In addition, scammers advertise cars for sale on Facebook Marketplace and ask for deposits or upfront payment. However, the scammer does not own the car or intend to provide it. San Diego residents can report scam activity to the California Department of Justice 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 San Diego 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 San Diego, CA 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 San Diego 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 San Diego, CA 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.

California recently enacted Assembly Bill 488 which amends The Supervision of Trustees and Fundraisers for Charitable Purposes Act. The new legislation recognizes the evolving model of fundraising and regulates online charitable fundraising platforms operating in the state. Specifically, the law creates two new regulated classes, charitable fundraising platforms and platform charities, and recognizes the term “recipient charitable organization”.

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 San Diego, California.

Defective Products and Services

Legitimate San Diego, CA 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 California Code, a San Diego manufacturer or seller is not liable in a product liability action if both of the following apply:

  • The product is inherently unsafe and is known to be unsafe by the ordinary consumer
  • The product is a common consumer product intended for personal consumption

However, this law does not exempt the manufacture or sale of tobacco products by tobacco manufacturers from product liability actions.

San Diego, California 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. San Diego, California consumer laws also put measures in place to police false advertising and illegal debt collection practices.

Work With an Experienced San Diego, California Consumer Law Attorney

Working with a consumer fraud attorney in San Diego 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 San Diego, CA 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 California 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!

How It All Works

Call us or answer the questions on this site. Your category, location, and additional information will help us connect you to a legal professional and we’ll send you the results instantly.

Which Areas of Law?

We have attorneys in over 20 legal categories to choose from.

How Much Does This Cost?

We don’t charge you to be connected. Some legal categories require upfront fees while others do not. The legal professional will determine this with you before you commit to anything.