As consumers, we hope we can trust those providing us with goods and services. After all, we rely on them to give us truthful information and quality products. Unfortunately, not all parties on the other end of a transaction have your best interest in mind. If you believe that you’ve been a victim of consumer fraud, seek help immediately from the Mt. Holly consumer fraud attorney, Mark Catanzaro, who will fight to obtain the best results for your case.

What Is Consumer Fraud?

In New Jersey, the laws are designed to provide significant protection to the consumer. According to New Jersey Statute 56:8-2, consumer fraud is “any unconscionable commercial practice, deception, fraud, false pretense, false promise or misrepresentation” by any person in relation to the sale of goods, services, or real estate.

There are three ways in which a seller may commit consumer fraud in New Jersey:

1. Affirmative Misrepresentation. Simply put, this is when the seller provides you with false information, regardless of whether or not they did so intentionally. This could even be a misleading advertisement that causes a reasonable consumer to believe something that is untrue.
2. Knowing Omission. If a New Jersey seller fails to disclose any material (significant) information about the goods or services, consumer fraud has been committed. Unlike above, this concealment or nondisclosure must be intentional. If the nondisclosure was due to negligence or a lack of knowledge, the seller has not committed consumer fraud. A knowing omission can sometimes also be considered an affirmative misrepresentation.
3. Regulatory Violations. Consumer fraud also applies to violations of specific New Jersey statutes or administrative regulations. This is considered a “per se” violation, because it is prohibited conduct in and of itself and no other extrinsic proof is required.

A successful New Jersey consumer fraud attorney knows that that’s not the end of the story. Even if a seller violated the Consumer Fraud Act by committing one of the above, the next step is to prove ascertainable loss. To prove this, the consumer must show that because of the seller’s violation, the consumer suffered, or will suffer, a measurable loss.

Ready To Speak With A New Jersey Consumer Fraud Attorney?

Because consumer fraud in New Jersey covers such a wide range of situations, it is necessary to make an appointment with your trusted consumer fraud attorney in New Jersey in order to discuss your specific situation. Mark Catanzaro has a highly successful track record in protecting his clients’ rights. If damages are proved in a consumer fraud case, the plaintiff may be awarded treble damages (triple what the consumer lost), plus attorneys fees.

Contact Mark Catanzaro today for a free consultation!