Consumer Law in Winston-Salem, NC

Do you need a consumer law attorney in Winston-Salem, North Carolina 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 Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Consumer fraud primarily refers to deceptive practices that can cause customers in Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem, NC 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.

Winston-Salem residents can look to the Consumer Protection Division of the North Carolina Attorney General’s Office for help in avoiding scams. Several new scams have become prevalent during the COVID-19 pandemic. One of these is the QR Code scam. Use of QR codes to access a restaurant menu or other business information is on the rise. Unfortunately, scammers can replace the real QR code with their own, which can open you up to several dangers. The website may steal your data or install malware on your device. To protect yourself, look for evidence of tampering, such as a QR code on a sticker over a previous code. Another tip is to check the URL address before you open the website. Often, a scam site will contain misspellings or the name won’t match the business.

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 Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem, NC 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 Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem, NC 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.

Many charities must register with the North Carolina Secretary of State before they can solicit donations in Winston-Salem. However, checking the registry is only the first step in protecting yourself. Several resources can provide feedback on charities, including the Better Business Bureau and Charity Navigator. Ask the solicitor to send you information about the organization by mail or to direct you to their website. A scammer will not be able to do this, and they may try to pressure you into donating on the spot.

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 Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

Defective Products and Services

Legitimate Winston-Salem, NC 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.

North Carolina statutes govern product liability cases in Winston-Salem. North Carolina is unique in that it does not allow for strict liability in these lawsuits. Because of this, plaintiffs must prove negligence in the design, manufacturing, or labeling of the product. Furthermore, any degree of contributory negligence by the plaintiff is a complete defense for the defendant. In addition, product liability cases are subject to North Carolina’s 3 year statute of limitations and 12 year statute of repose.

Winston-Salem, North Carolina 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. Winston-Salem, North Carolina consumer laws also put measures in place to police false advertising and illegal debt collection practices.

Work With an Experienced Winston-Salem, North Carolina Consumer Law Attorney

Working with a consumer fraud attorney in Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem, NC 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 North Carolina state lines.

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