Examples Of Deceptive Practices
A deceptive practice is essentially falsifying information to turn a profit. There are many ways a business might engage in these practices, and, when they do, consumers suffer. Here, Brentwood business lawyer Brian T. Boyd offers descriptions of a few common unfair and deceptive business practices that might affect Tennessee buyers.
Counterfeiting
Counterfeiting is a global problem, and one the business lawyer explains can be found in many areas of Brentwood, Nashville, Franklin, and the surrounding areas. This is the practice of making fake products look like name brands. Fake purses are a great example. Unfortunately, counterfeiting not only takes revenue away from legitimate manufacturers, but it is also illegal and potentially dangerous.
Lying about a product’s geographic origin
An unfortunate number of unscrupulous small business owners – and even some large corporations – lie to their customers about where, exactly, their products are made. Some blatantly cover up the “Made in China” verbiage on things like clothing and toys to replace them with the respected “Made in the USA” insignia. Unfortunately, this is extremely dangerous for consumers since products made outside of the US are often subject to laxer quality standards.
Selling used and altered goods as new
Buying used goods and reselling them is an exceptional green business practice. However, when businesses try to pawn pre-owned merchandise off as brand-new, they can get into big trouble. Like selling off-region items, this is also something that could result in an injury. An experienced business lawyer can help a small business owner prove their innocence and avoid unwelcome reputation management issues that might otherwise arise.
Lying about going out of business
We have all seen it: A big yellow and red sign that screams that a local store is going under. As sad as this is for the local area, it means one thing for you: Deals! However, as business lawyer Brian T. Boyd explains, these signs are sometimes just that…signs. The infamous “Going out of Business” scam has happened in Brentwood and is usually committed by small business owners that want to drum up profits. The FTC keeps a close eye on these sales and encourages consumers to contact their state Attorney General’s office if they suspect a fraudulent non-closure.
False warranty claims
On the surface, a false warranty claim might seem like a great deal for product owners. They might, for example, break a phone screen by tossing the device across the room and then take it in for repair. Upon pickup, they are told there is no charge, it was covered by the warranty. Typically, intentional damage is not included. This could be a case of a false warranty claim, which the business lawyer explains is when a business entrusted to evaluate repairs lies to the insurer/warranty provider and submit invoices for repairs that should have been paid by the customer. Worse still, sometimes, invoices are sent when no work was ever done.
Tampering with an odometer
Odometer fraud is, according to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), an issue that affects more than 450,000 vehicles each year. American buyers wind up spending more than $1 billion annually because of it. In Tennessee – and everywhere else for that matter – odometer fraud is illegal. Consumers that believe they have been sold a vehicle with an altered odometer should contact the NHTSA. Car dealers who have been wrongfully charged with this serious infraction should contact a business lawyer ASAP.
Have You Been Accused Of Deceptive Practices?
The Law Office Boyd & Wills works with business owners who have been wrongfully accused of deceptive practices. The law firm is run by two of the most experienced business lawyers in Brentwood, who will work diligently to help you clear your good name.
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https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2017/07/going-out-business-sales-are-deals-real
