Consumer Protection

Consumer Protection Law in Massachusetts

Consumers are protected from unfair and deceptive trade practices under the Massachusetts Consumer Protection Act, (Massachusetts General Laws, c. 93A). The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the MA Attorney General's Office of Consumer Protection regulate deceptive and unfair trade practices as well.

The practice can be either deceptive or unfair; it does not need to be both. They can occur in sales transactions including car sales, real estate transactions, and other commercial transactions. We represent people who have been subject to an unfair or deceptive trade practice including false advertising and deceptive pricing of new and used cars that qualify as "lemons" under the Massachusetts "Lemon Law", as well as businesses accused of committing violations of the Consumer Protection laws.

Consumer Protection Law in New Hampshire

New Hampshire's primary consumer protection law is entitled "Regulation of Business Practices for Consumer Protection" and is commonly known as the Consumer Protection Act.

The New Hampshire Consumer Protection Act and the Federal Trade Commission Act, which served as the model for NH's state law, prohibit the use of any unfair or deceptive act or practice or any unfair method of competition in trade or commerce in New Hampshire.

Warranty Claims

Consumers can also be subject to breach of warranty in commercial transactions, and the Massachusetts and New Hampshire Consumer Protection Acts and Lemon Laws provide relief from these violations of the law. A warranty can be either express or implied. An express warranty is a written statement or promise; there may also be an implied warranty associated with the transaction. Food products and residential apartments, for example, generally have implied warranties.

Consumer Debt

In 2005 there were significant changes to the U.S. Bankruptcy Code that now makes it harder for people with overwhelming debt to get a "fresh start" by declaring bankruptcy. This can and has had an adverse impact on consumers with both secured and unsecured credit debt (e.g., residential home mortgages and consumer credit cards).

If you are considering bankruptcy or are at risk of home mortgage foreclosure, we can help you examine the pros and cons of filing for personal bankruptcy as well as explore other debt relief options.

Please Contact Us for a FREE 20-minute case evaluation if you have a consumer protection issue that you would like to discuss.

Testimonial

"I hired a contractor who totally mislead me and caused damage to my home during a repair. He made promises about the operation of a new furnace, which turned out to be totally bogus. Attorney Barbour prepared a great demand letter and the contractor settled with me after he got the letter. I would definitely recommend her to anyone in my situation." - JP - N. Andover, MA