What is consumer fraud?

Consumer fraud is a broad label that is applied to the consumer protection laws of the various states. Generally, consumer fraud occurs where there is an unfair or deceptive act or practice that takes place in connection with the purchase or sale of goods or services. The potential types of wrong-doing that can come under this designation are almost limitless and examples range from false and misleading advertising to outright fraud and market manipulation. Johnson & Perkinson has prosecuted cases against computer companies, banks, credit card companies, drug makers and manufacturers on behalf of consumers.

While there are a great many similarities among state statutory provisions providing protections to consumers, there are also significant differences. For example, in some states, a consumer must obtain a product directly from the wrongdoer and consumers may not bring a claim under such statutes even if an inflated price or misrepresentation was passed on to the consumer through other channels.