Category Archives: Consumer Law
Background Report Providers Found Violating The FCRA
A new settlement linked to a lawsuit brought under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (“FCRA”) highlights consumers’ rights with respect to clicking on advertising keywords associated with products, as even the use of these keywords is covered under the consumer law. Specifically, as a result of the settlement, several businesses, including Checkmate and TruthFinder,… Read More »
Food & Beverage False Advertising Claims On The Rise
Consumers are increasingly suing businesses for consumer protection violations in connection with products that imply certain ingredients that they do not contain; fed up with businesses increasingly misrepresenting these products; promising ingredients that aren’t there and/or displaying promotion images that do not match the product. One such example includes Starbucks’ “Mango Dragon Fruit Refresher… Read More »
CFPB Finds Tuition Payment Plans Violate Consumer Laws
A recent report released by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (“CFPB”) found that college tuition payment plans can place student borrowers at risk; that some payment plans are so confusing, and carry such expensive fees, that they lead students further into debt. The report also found that a number of institutions choose to withhold… Read More »
Appliance Supply Businesses Targeted in Consumer Fraud Case
Three Cincinnati-area appliance supply businesses and their owners are accused of accepting $4,900 in payments from consumers but failing to provide any appliances or services. Additionally, the businesses failed to register with the Ohio Secretary of State’s office which is required by Ohio law. The lawsuit, filed by the Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost,… Read More »
Fraud & Deception Against Ohio Consumers In Connection with Imposter Websites
There is a horrifying consumer protection violation practice occurring known as imposter websites, including here in Ohio, whereby websites are created to mimic legitimate businesses and cause many consumers to lose thousands on merchandise that is fictitiously sold under the premise of a “going out of business sale,” and never delivered. These websites collect… Read More »
Investigation Into HomeVestors of America Franchise Reveals Horrifying Predatory Real Estate & Consumer Practices
Unfortunately, there are very few laws or regulations protecting homeowners from certain types of predatory real estate tactics, short of elder abuse or fraud. Recently, in an investigation into the real estate practices of the “We Buy Ugly Houses” HomeVestors of America franchise, a company that purchases real estate far below its market value,… Read More »
When Contractors Cause Danger By Leaving Work Unfinished
When contractors start, but refuse to finish a project, it can leave a family in difficult – and sometimes even dangerous – circumstances. Take for example one family here in Ohio, who contracted with A-1 Concrete and Waterproofing, LLC. They had an agreement in place that the company would remodel the family’s driveway for… Read More »
Avoiding Post-Disaster Mortgage Scams
When a disaster like wildfires strikes a region, including areas here in Ohio, homeowners not only often experience severe stress, but also financial issues in the form of lost income and an increase in expenses if they suffered damages from the disaster. It is in this setting that homeowners will sometimes experience issues (or… Read More »
Consumer Lawsuit Filed Against Brita for Deceptive & Unfair Business Practices
In August, a consumer class action lawsuit was filed against the popular water filtration manufacturer Brita, claiming that the company misled consumers regarding the effectiveness of its water filter products; specifically alleging that the water filters do not remove potentially hazardous substances from drinking water or reduce the levels of those contaminants, as… Read More »
Are Fish Oil Supplements Violating Consumer Protection Laws?
Fish oil is one of the most popular dietary supplements in the U.S. However, a new study indicates that there may be consumer claims associated with fish oil products and misleading labels; specifically, a number of the products also make a number of health claims on their labels, especially when it comes to preventing… Read More »