Deceptive Business Practices

Deceptive Business Practices

The term Deceptive Business Practices gets thrown around a lot with disgruntled consumers. We can help you to fight the charges and protect the reputation of your business.

What Constitutes Deceptive Business Practices?

To be found guilty of deceptive business practices a prosecutor has to prove the existence of certain circumstances. Generally speaking, a business must be found to have:

  • used fraudulent means to intentionally misrepresent a products weight, volume or other unit of measure.
  • when acting as a buyer, intentionally underestimates the quantity of a product for their financial advantage.
  • offer or sell a product or service of lesser quantity or quality than what was provided.

Georgia Deceptive Trade Practices Laws

Trade Practices Laws exist to protect consumers from unscrupulous business practices. Consumers can file a complaint with the State which can lead to legal action. Most consumer transactions are protected via the Georgia Fair Business Practices Act.

These consumer protection laws can be applied to companies believed to have:

  • used "bait and switch" practices.
  • make misleading statements about origin, brand, price, condition, etc.
  • making factually false statements about competitors or competing products.
  • altering products to deceive buyers (i.e., rolling back a car's odometer).

Specific Provisions for Problematic Practices

Georgia's Fair Business Practices Act, GA Code § O.C.G.A. Sections 10-1-390, include special provisions for certain business practices. These provisions target problematic advertising and marketing practices. Advertising and marketing practices that are under extra scrutiny include but are not limited to:

  • Promotional contests/giveaways
  • Telemarketing fraud
  • Fraud committed over the Internet
  • Price gouging during a declared state of emergency
  • Credit reports
  • Going-out-of-business sales
  • Vacation prize offerings

Innocent People are Sometimes Prosecuted

Even if you are innocent of criminal intent, an aggressive prosecutor may charge you and attempt to prove otherwise. Your best defense can be rendered if you can produce documentation to counter a consumer complaint. As your defense lawyer we will develop a strategic and well-documented defense to protect you and your business.


Deceptive Business Practices Lawyer in Cherokee County GA

If you need help with deceptive business practices charges in Georgia you need to consult with a lawyer as soon as possible. Any criminal charges can be devastating to your finances, personal relationships, and ability to get a job. Contact a deceptive business practices attorney online or call 770-956-1400.