The Fair Business Practices Act
Macon Business Lawyers Tenaciously Protecting Consumers
The Fair Business Practices Act (FBPA) may be one of the most intensive laws protecting Georgia consumers on the books. However, it is often entirely underutilized and is generally not well understood by most people. The FBPA, unlike fraud claims , works against deceptive practices in a variety of trade and commerce transactions. Fortunately, our Macon FBPA attorneys can help you to address these matters with experience and skill.
What Is the Fair Business Practices Act?
Georgia's Fair Business Protection Acts (O.C.G.A. § 10-1-390) protects consumers and business from any unfair or deceptive practices during any trade or commerce.
Some of the transactions which this statute protects against include the following:
- Career consulting firms
- Health spas
- Campground and marina memberships
- Advertising of 976 phone numbers
- Long-term care facilities
- Solicitations for telephone directory listings
- Going-out-of-business sales
- Promotional giveaways and contests
- Personal care homes
- Home health services
- Vacation giveaways
- Sale of frame-damaged automobiles
- Misuse of credit card information by merchants
- Sale of boats with undisclosed hidden damage
What Is the Statute of Limitations on Georgia’s Fair Business Practices Act?
Although the statute is worded to include all of these transactions and more, Georgia courts have limited it to transactions that may affect the public in some way, as opposed to private transactions. These could include the private buying or selling of a vehicle, farm, or home between individuals.
What Could Happen to Those Found in Violation of the FBPA?
If violated, the FBPA may utilize the Office of Consumer Affairs to take action against deceptive, unfair business practice.
If an individual feels they have been wronged in accordance with the practices outlined in the FBPA, they could seek out any of the following:
- Equitable injunctive relief.
- General damages sustained due to the violation.
- Attorney's fees and expenses of litigation if the defendant fails to offer a reasonable settlement within 30 days of a written demand for relief.
- Exemplary damages and treble damages, if a violation can be proven intentional.
If you have fallen victim to a deceptive or unfair act or practice by a merchant, then our Macon FBPA lawyers stand prepared to assist you. Call us today at (478) 202-7050 to schedule your free case evaluation!
CUSTOMERS SHARE THEIR EXPERIENCES
Read How We Have Helped Others
-
"They do great work!"Excellent law firm. They do great work!- Anna
-
Efficient and economical and understanding issue and attention to detail! Highly recommend!- K.B.
-
"Passion for justice."Integrity, honesty, forthright communication, patience, and a passion for justice.- Shannon
-
"Mr. Barton has always been extremely professional and knowledgeable in any litigation or legal document reviews myself or my family has needed of him."Mr. Barton has always been extremely professional and knowledgeable in any litigation or legal document reviews myself or my family has needed of him.- Daniel
-
"He is always quick to return my phone calls, and he has a knack for easily explaining complex legal things."Devlin has handled our family's business for several years. He has helped us restructure our corporations, prepared our wills, and even probated by husband's estate for me. He is always quick to return my phone calls, and he has a knack for easily explaining complex legal things so that it is easy to understand. My family has been lucky to use him for several matters.- Former Client
-
"Excellent Service On Several Matters"Devlin has handled our family's business for several years. He has helped us restructure our corporations, prepared our wills, and even probated by husband's estate for me. He is always quick to return my phone calls, and he has a knack for easily explaining complex legal things so that it is easy to understand. My family has been lucky to use him for several matters.- Client
-
"They will work their hardest for you"This firm is full of extremely friendly and dedicated people. They will work their hardest for you and are very educated in their fields. I highly recommend them.- Devon
-
"She takes her cases to heart and you know she truly cares about her clients."She takes her cases to heart and you know she truly cares about her clients.- Former Client
