What is Consumer Fraud?

Family Law Expert: Marcela Halmagean
Answer: “Consumer fraud” refers to any act that harms or victimizes a consumer through false, deceptive, or otherwise misleading business practices. With the advent of the internet, “consumer fraud” has become more prevalent and vicious. Texas passed laws to protect consumers and to enable recovery of actual and punitive damages. Consumer fraud can include any deceitful business practice from selling a car that had its odometer altered to charging for services that have not been performed, or requesting a signature on a blank contract and filling in undisclosed terms later.  When I turned 21, I bought my first new car and to drive my “dream car” that night, I had to sign the sale contract in blank. When I asked why, I was told that the manager wasn’t there to sign that evening. When I received the contract, it had a whopping 23.99% interest rate. Not all consumers know that they have options after they sign on the dotted line. If you feel that a business has taken advantages of you, you should first meet with an attorney and discuss the facts and then learn about your options. You may be surprised what you will learn.

Marcela Halmagean has distinguished herself as one of the best litigation attorneys in the Houston area. Her firm’s practice is focused on family, business and commercial litigation, and she commits herself to bringing high-quality legal services to each sector.

Marcela Halmagean
M Halmagean PLLC
Attorneys at Law
1800 Bering Drive, Ste. 480
Houston, TX 77057
(713) 975-1202
www.halmagean.com