Category Archives: Business Consumer Fraud
Business And Consumer Protection: Why The FDUTPA Is So Important
Whether you are an individual consumer or you own and operate a business, you are entitled to fair treatment from other companies in the market. Our state has strong business and consumer protection laws in place. Most notably, the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act (FDUTPA) allows businesses and consumers to hold companies… Read More »
Business Fraud: Florida Moving Company Operators Indicted For Alleged $12 Million Scam
On February 18th, 2022, the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) announced that Matthew Pardi and Ashley Lynn Hars, the owners of a Florida-based moving company, have been indicted on criminal fraud charges. The federal complaint contends that their company engaged in a number of different violations, including allegedly holding consumer belongings for “ransom”… Read More »
Businesses Have Broad Legal Standing to File a Lawsuit on the FDUTPA
The Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act (FDUTPA) is perhaps the most important consumer protection law in our state. Through an FDUTPA claim, a plaintiff can hold a defendant liable for losses related to unfair or deceptive acts or practices. Until recently, there were some questions about when exactly business had a right… Read More »
FDUTPA Claims in Florida: Are ‘As-Is” Provisions in Contracts Always Enforceable?
Many purchase contracts—from real estate agreements to motor vehicle contracts—contain a so-called ‘as-is’ or ‘no-warranty’ clause. As it is popularly understood, an ‘as-is’ contract provision states that the seller makes no express or implied guarantees as to the condition of the property being sold. In other words, the buyer is assuming the risks. While… Read More »
What Remedies are Available Under the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act (FDUTPA)?
The Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act (FDUTPA) is a state law that protects businesses and consumers against fraudulent, deceptive, or other unlawful commercial practices. Unlike its federal counterpart, the statute contains a clear private right of action—meaning a business or a consumer can file a lawsuit against the responsible party for an… Read More »
Report: Florida is the Most Vulnerable State to Identity Theft and Fraud
According to a recent report from WalletHub, Florida has the dubious distinction of being named the most vulnerable state to identity theft and consumer fraud in 2020. This is not the first time that the personal finance organization has recognized Florida as being the most vulnerable state to fraud. Unfortunately, consumer and business fraud… Read More »
Study: Florida has the Most Coronavirus-Related Fraud Claims
According to reporting from ABC 27, Florida tops the country in coronavirus-related fraud. A recent study found that Florida has the dubious distinction of having the most COVID-19 fraud claims in the United States—eclipsing New York, Texas, California, and Pennsylvania. Alarmingly, the study found that fraud reports are up when compared to 2019. COVID-19… Read More »
9 Tips to Protect Your Remote Workforce from Phishing Attacks
As the COVID-19 pandemic forced many companies to switch to remote working, businesses are facing security and data privacy risks now that their employees are working from home. While hackers have used a variety of illegal tools to take advantage of companies’ vulnerabilities, phishing is among the most common fraudulent activities during the coronavirus… Read More »
N95 Mask Manufacturer 3M Files Fraud, Price Gouging Lawsuits Against Companies in Florida
According to reporting from the Tampa Bay Times, 3M—one of the nation’s largest manufacturing companies—has filed fraud lawsuits against several companies around the country, including at least four companies in Florida. In the complaints, 3M alleges that the defendant companies are improperly acting as authorized N95 mask distributors and selling its highly sought after… Read More »
South Florida Medical Provider Sues GEICO for Systematic Fraud; the Insurance Company is Bringing a Counterclaim for Billing Fraud
According to reporting from Insurance Business Magazine, the Florida Spine and Joint Institute (FSJI)—a Miami Lakes-based medical provider—has filed a fraud lawsuit against GEICO, the second largest motor vehicle insurance provider in the United States. In turn, GEICO contends that FSJI has submitted false bills for reimbursement. In this article, our Miami business and… Read More »
