Consumer law includes federal and state statutes and common law that protect individuals who purchase goods and services from parties that engage in false, unfair, deceptive, misleading, abusive, or otherwise unlawful acts.
Federal Laws
There are numerous federal laws that govern the relationship between consumers and businesses including the Home Ownership Equity Protection Act, Real Estate Sales Practice Act, Truth in Lending Act, Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, Fair Debt Collections Practice Act, and Fair Credit Reporting Act. These laws generally require lenders, creditors, and merchants to abide by certain statutory requirements. Parties subject to these laws must provide certain disclosures and avoid certain tactics when they provide goods and services to the public. When these laws are violated, an individual will need to retain an attorney to enforce the law and to help advocate for them.
North Carolina Laws
North Carolina also has state laws that protect against deceptive, misleading, and fraudulent behavior including laws that prohibit unfair behaviors by insurance companies when investigating and resolving insurance claims and laws that govern the interest a creditor can charge a debtor and laws that govern parties engaged in the sale of goods and services in North Carolina. Court decisions that have developed over the years can also be used to protect consumers and debtors.
If you have a dispute with another party or creditor arising over a transaction that you believe was unfair or that merits the attention of an attorney, then do not hesitate to contact the office. Our office is familiar with the consumer laws available and can advise you as to the best path to follow when faced with a lawsuit or advocate for you when you desire to file a lawsuit.