Consumer Law in Utah

Do you need a consumer law attorney in Utah 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 Utah

Consumer fraud primarily refers to deceptive practices that can cause customers in Utah to suffer financial, physical, or emotional injury. Fraudulent practices can also occur at the individual level, such as 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 Utah can also lead to criminal charges against you. For instance, it can be strenuous to clear your name after you donate to a charitable organization involved with money laundering.

According to Deseret News, consumer scams are becoming more common in Utah. In one scheme, the scammer promises to pay your bills if you send gift cards to them for charity. In addition, a sextortion scam involves sharing intimate photos with someone in a fake romantic relationship. The scammer then threatens to distribute those images if you do not pay a ransom. Other scams include the Social Security stolen-ID scam, housing market scam, and ship captain romance scams. In the ship captain scam, the scammer claims to be a ship captain at sea and starts a fake romantic relationship. The scammer then asks for money to help him get back to the US.

Many people are embarrassed about falling for a scam, and they suffer in silence. But, speaking up can help to bring the persons responsible to justice. Even when it does not, it helps spread awareness and stop other consumers from falling victim to the same fate.

What Types of Fraud are in Consumer Law?

If you suffered damages because of consumer fraud in Utah, you might be able to file a lawsuit against the responsible parties. Taking a closer look at the most common types of consumer fraud found under consumer law can help you determine if you have a legitimate claim.

Identity Theft

This type of consumer fraud happens when a nefarious Utah 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 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. After they can accomplish this task, they have even more options to apply for loans or credit cards. Sometimes 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 and experienced Utah consumer law fraud lawyer is essential to proving your innocence.

Fake Organizations

Fake charities are difficult to spot because they use similar techniques that legitimate ones rely on to raise funds. That’s why it’s important for you to understand where your money is going before you decide to donate to an organization. The same is true when investing or purchasing goods and services.

You can identify if any Utah organization is legitimate if they have registration in the state. Or, the IRS should verify their non-profit status. But, scammers can legitimately register an organization for illegal purposes. Take the time to research how your money gets used before investing in a business or donating to charity.

Utah’s Charitable Solicitations Act governs the conduct of charitable organizations in the state. For example, the state can deny, suspend, or revoke an organization’s permit if any employee has been convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude. Furthermore, any person who willfully violates any provision of the Act is guilty of a Class B misdemeanor. Be aware, each day the violation is committed constitutes a separately punishable offense.

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 fact, anyone can build a website or register an empty LLC in Utah.

Defective Products and Services

Legitimate Utah companies often create defective products and services. Some common issues are:

  • 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 become entitled to compensation for the damages caused. This circumstance is why we often hear of car manufacturers issuing recalls and repairs when they realize something has gone wrong.

According to the Utah Courts, Utah requires the plaintiff to prove that a defect in the product rendered the product unreasonably dangerous to the user. Under Utah law, unreasonably dangerous means that the product was more dangerous than what an ordinary and prudent user would contemplate it to be. Furthermore, Utah’s statute of limitations for product liability is two years. This means a Utah claimant must bring a civil action within two years from the time they discovered both the harm and its cause.

Utah 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 establishes the Federal Trade Commission to protect consumers from deceptive business practices. It does this not just for individual cases, but also to target monopolies.

The FTC’s work includes conducting investigations, collecting complaints, and filing lawsuits. In addition, other federal laws protect public consumers against deceptive transactions. These include the agriculture, real estate, food, and beverage industries. Utah consumer laws also put measures in place to police false advertising and illegal debt collection practices.

Work With an Experienced Utah Consumer Law Attorney

Working with a consumer fraud attorney in Utah can help you understand your rights. The appropriate professional from our network of legal experts will help you understand the FTC guidelines. They will help you discover what types of complaints you can make against the organization that has committed fraud against you.

A qualified Utah 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. 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 Utah state lines.

Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an attorney in your area!

There are still many areas of Utah law you may want to explore to be sure that you have completed all the necessary research for your particular case.

Auto Accident Injury

Bankruptcy

Business Law

Child Birth Injury

Child Custody

Child Support

Copyright Law

Criminal Defense

Debt Collector Harassment

Divorce Law

DUI Law

Employment Law

Eviction Law

Foreclosure Defense

Identity Theft

Immigration Law

Insurance Claims

Lemon Law

Medical Malpractice

Nursing Home Abuse

Patent Law

Personal Injury Law

Power of Attorney

Probate Law

Property Disputes

Real Estate Law

Social Security Disability

Tax Law

Traffic Law

Vaccination Injury

Workers Compensation

Workplace Discrimination

Wrongful Termination

Wills and Trusts

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