Fraudulent Business Practices Lawyer
When a business uses fraud, misrepresentation, false advertising and other unfair business practices for gain, it can be to the detriment of consumers and other businesses. Fraudulent business practices can be stopped through an injunction brought by another business or consumers. The accused business can also be subject to legal actions to pay restitution to those harmed by their fraudulent business practices.
Georgia’s Fair Business Practices Act outlines fraudulent business practices and what activities are unlawful in the marketplace. Some activities covered under this law include:
- Misrepresenting the maker of a product
- False claims on where a product is made or produced
- Passing used items off as new
- Making false accusations or claims about another business
- False claims about the quality or features of a product
- Misleading advertising – bait and switch methods or false statements about pricing
In addition to general unfair business practices, the Fair Business Practices Act covers industry-specific and situational issues, such as price gouging, telemarketing fraud and promotional contests. The unfair business practices covered under the law are specifically designed to protect consumers. Only consumers can pursue complaints under this law, not competitors. There are other statutes that govern deceptive trade and unfair competition tactics in Georgia if a business has been financially harmed by the fraudulent business practices of one of their competitors.
Seeking Restitution for Unfair Business Practices
When a business uses unfair business practices for gain, consumers and competing businesses can suffer the consequences. Seeking an injunction to put an end to the practices can stop further damage, but it does not undo financial damage that was already incurred. For consumers, this can often lead to a class action lawsuit against a company. For business competitors, pursuing a claim under deceptive trade or unfair competition laws can be used to receive restitution for financial damages.
Fraudulent business practices harm a free and competitive marketplace and can do direct financial harm to consumers and other businesses. Conley Griggs Partin LLP has expertise in pursuing fraudulent business practice claims to recover damages for our clients. Contact our office to schedule a free initial consultation to discuss your claim. There are statutes of limitations for most business torts, so do not delay in pursuing your claim.
