Category Archives: Deceptive Unfair Trade Practices
Florida Regulators Settle Talcum Powder Case With Johnson & Johnson for $700 Million (Deceptive Marketing)
On June 12th, 2024, NBC News reported that Florida regulators (along with dozens of other states) have reached a $700 million settlement with Johnson & Johnson. The state found that the multi-national company engaged in unlawful deception by failing to warn consumers about the health and safety risks associated with its talcum powder products…. Read More »
Florida Second in Country in Elder Financial Fraud: $180 Million in Confirmed Losses in 2023 Alone
On May 14th, 2024, NBC 6 South Florida reported that our state has the dubious distinction of being home to the second highest total amount of elder financial fraud in the entire country. Notably, the Federal Bureau of Investigation Internet Crime Complaint Center (ICCC) reports that elder financial fraud nationwide spiked 14 percent nationwide… Read More »
Florida Regulators Crack Down On “SunPass Scams”
On May 10th, 2024, The Palm Beach Post reported that Florida regulators are cracking down on so-called “SunPass scams.” Within the last few days, ten different websites targeted consumers in our state have been shut down by authorities. These websites were used to send unsuspecting people fraudulent SunPass toll violations. Here, our Palm Beach… Read More »
Consumer Fraud Watch: Miami Metro Area Leader in Identity Fraud
Recently, Consumer Affairs released a comprehensive report on identity theft. Alarmingly, the organization found that identity theft is up nearly 400 percent over the last two decades. The Miami metropolitan area has the dubious distinction of being the leader in identity theft nationwide. Within this article, our Miami FDUTPA lawyer discusses the report and… Read More »
Were You the Victim of a Bait-and-Switch in Florida? Know Your Rights
For consumers, there are few things more frustrating than discovering that the business that you are working with cannot be trusted to treat you fairly. A bait-and-switch is an all-too-common example of an unscrupulous business practice. If you were the victim of a bait-and-switch, you may have a claim for compensation through the Florida… Read More »
Can You Sue a Car Dealership for Misrepresenting a State of a Used Vehicle?
Purchasing a used car can be stressful. While most consumer advocates agree that a good used car offers a better value than a brand new car, there is also a significantly higher risk of something going wrong. This raises an important question: Can you sue a used car dealership for making material misrepresentations about… Read More »
Five Mistakes to Avoid When Defending an FDUTPA Lawsuit from a Customer/Client
The Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act allows customers/clients to take legal action against a business. Through an FDUTPA lawsuit, a plaintiff may be entitled to compensation for “actual damages” that they suffered as part of a company’s deceptive or otherwise unfair commercial practices. If your company is facing an FDUTPA lawsuit? A… Read More »
Report: Construction Fraud Case Highlights Disturbing Trend in Florida
According to a report from Action News Jax, a luxury home builder with an otherwise reputable track record is facing more than a dozen complaints from residential customers. Prosecutors contend that the Pineapple Corporation—and its owner, Spencer Calvert—improperly took in millions from customers. Within this article, our Miami FDUTPA lawyer discusses the report—and the… Read More »
Florida State Regulators Launch Initiative to Stop Consumer Fraud
On February 5th, 2024, the Florida Record reported that state regulators have launched an initiative designed to stop consumer fraud. Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis is aiming for a “Fraud Free Florida. ”Within this article, our Miami FDUTPA lawyer highlights the key points consumers should know about the initiative and explain your options… Read More »
Can You Compel Arbitration of an FDUTPA Claim in Florida?
The Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act (FDUTPA) is a state law that allows consumers and businesses to seek compensation for losses caused by certain improper commercial activities. The law contains a private right of action—meaning consumers/businesses have the right to sue under the FDUTPA. This raises an important question: Can arbitration be… Read More »