Know Your Rights

The main consumer protection law in Ohio is the Consumer Sales Practices Act. Ohio consumers have a right to be treated fairly by businesses. Businesses are not allowed to deceive customers. When consumers’ rights have been violated, they may be able to rescind, or undo, the deal, and get their money back. If the business engaged in unfair or deceptive acts that have already been ruled to be illegal, the consumer may receive three times their damages. If the business knew what it was doing, but acted unfairly or deceptively anyway, a court may order the business to pay the consumer’s attorney fees. If you were subjected to unfair or deceptive acts, you may be entitled to $200 from the business, even if you have no damages, just to compensate you for your trouble, and to encourage businesses to follow the law. These consumer-friendly parts of the law help to prevent unfair business practices, and to encourage consumers to enforce their rights, even if there was not a significant loss.

In addition to filing a lawsuit, you can also file a complaint with the Ohio Attorney General. The Ohio Attorney General’s web site for Consumer Protection is: http://www2.ag.state.oh.us/sections/consumer/ccapsplus/welcome.asp

There are other laws designed to protect people from particular wrongful business practices.
Here are a few:

Lemon Law
Telephone Consumer Protect Act
Truth in Lending Act
Fair Debt Collection Practices Act

Disclaimer
The information provided on this web site is provided for general information only. No attorney-client relationship is created with Mr. Reichenbach unless he specifically agrees to represent you. If you have a specific legal problem, contact an attorney.
ReichenbachLaw.com © 2004 Gregory Reichenbach