Your Rights Under Ohio’s Consumer Protection Rules: What To Do If A Business Breaks The Law

Ohio’s consumer protection laws are there to level the playing field between individuals and businesses. Deceptive car sales, unfair debt collection tactics, or misleading advertisements are all conduct that Ohio law protects consumers from. Ohio consumers have strong legal protections that are designed to stop abuse and recover damages from offending businesses. Those who know their rights under laws such as the Ohio Consumer Sales Practices Act (CSPA), the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), and the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) can empower every homeowner to fight back when companies cross the line.

The Ohio Consumer Sales Practices Act 

The CPSA is among Ohio’s most powerful consumer protection laws. The Act prohibits unfair, deceptive, or “unconscionable” acts by businesses in consumer transactions. This can include buying a car, hiring a contractor, or signing a service contract. Common violations of the Act include false advertising, hidden fees, bait-and-switch tactics, or misrepresenting the quality of goods or services.

If a contractor were to promise to complete home repairs using premium materials but substitutes those for cheaper ones, that would be a violation of the CSPA. In a similar vein, if a car dealer rolls hidden charges into a financing agreement or lies about the vehicle’s history, consumers have the right to rescind the deal and seek damages.

Under CSPA, consumers are empowered to recover actual damages up to $5,000 and their attorney fees in cases of intentional or repeated misconduct. This makes it easier for individuals to pursue claims when the dollar amount at stake might not justify the cost of litigation by itself.

Fair Debt Collection Practices Act 

Anyone who has ever been harassed by a debt collector has a shield in the form of the FDCPA. This federal law regulates the tactics that debt collectors can use in their efforts to collect a debt. Debt collectors are prohibited from using abusive, deceptive, or unfair tactics. These include calling repeatedly, using obscene language, making false threats of arrest, or contacting you at work after being told not to.

Collectors must also verify debts if you request them. They are not allowed to misrepresent the amount owed. Any violation of this rule can result in statutory damages of up to $1,000, plus compensation for emotional distress and attorney fees. It’s important to note that Ohio courts often apply the FDCPA in conjunction with state consumer protection laws. This gives consumers multiple avenues of relief.

Telephone Consumer Protection Act 

Under the TCPA, Ohio residents are protected from unwanted telemarketing calls, robocalls, and spam text messages. Businesses are required to obtain consent prior to contacting consumers using an auto-dialer or prerecorded message. Even debt collectors and financial institutions have to follow these rules.

Each illegal call or text can result in $500 to $1,500 in damages per violation. Persistent robocalls still plague customers. This law provides a powerful way to fight back against intrusive and unlawful communication.

Talk to a Dayton, OH, Consumer Law Attorney Today 

Kohl & Cook Law Firm, LLC, represents the interests of Ohio residents who have faced unlawful practices by a business. Call our Dayton consumer lawyers today to schedule an appointment, and we can begin discussing your next steps right away.