As a consumer, you expect the businesses you deal with to act in good faith. Unfortunately, that does not mean they always do. When a business has defrauded their customers, it is extremely frustrating for those customers. Consumers are understandably angry about the act of fraud, but are not always sure if there is anything they can do about it. If you have been the victim of consumer fraud, it is important you do not fall into this way of thinking. Corporations can and should be held liable just like anyone else when they have acted dishonestly and a customer incurs losses as a result.
If you have been the victim of consumer fraud, it is important you speak to a California consumer fraud attorney that can advise you of your legal options. The three main types of consumer fraud are listed below, but any time a company has defrauded you, it is important to take action.
Banking FraudWhen most people walk into a bank and see the smiling, friendly faces waiting to serve them, they do not consider that any one of those people could be committing bank fraud. However, it happens more than most people think.
Bank fraud can occur in a number of ways. A representative may sell an investment or financial product without fully disclosing all the information about the product. The bank may also charge fees that were not authorized, and of which the consumer also was not made aware. Banking fraud is a very serious type of consumer fraud that could cause someone to lose hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars.
Credit Card FraudAlthough there are many state and federal consumer protection laws in place to help consumers avoid being a victim of credit card fraud, it still happens. Credit card companies charge cardholders for extra services without first getting their consent. Even if a consumer is current on a credit card balance, credit card companies sometimes also cancel or discontinue the service before the cardholder can gain access to the benefits the card provides.
To make the situation even worse, when a cardholder calls the company to dispute additional charges or a cancellation, they are often told that the changes would not have been made without their consent.
Insurance FraudInsurance fraud happens all the time, and it can come in many forms. Insurance companies may raise premiums to an unconscionable price, or health insurance companies may provide better reimbursement rates for network providers than out-of-network providers. Insurance companies are also guilty of selling products without full disclosure. Discriminatory practices, such as charging minority groups higher rates, are also a type of insurance fraud.
A California Consumer Fraud Attorney Will Not Let Them Get Away With itIf you have been the victim of consumer fraud, it is important you know that you have options, and a California consumer fraud lawyer can explain what those are. Consumer fraud costs consumers billions of dollars every year, but there is a way for you to recoup your losses.
At the Brod Law Firm, we know how to hold big businesses responsible for their illegal and fraudulent actions. If you have suffered losses due to consumer fraud, call us today at (800) 427-7020 for free consultation. If you were the victim of consumer fraud, we will help make things right and help you claim the compensation you deserve for someone else’s wrongful act. Call us today or reach out to us online to learn more about how we can help.