Unfair and Deceptive Acts or Business Practices, 93A

The Massachusetts Consumer Protection Act broadly prohibits a wide variety of unfair or deceptive acts or business practices.  This law protects consumers in most commercial transactions from unfair or deceptive practices by merchants, contractors, and landlords.  If a person or organization you’ve dealt with was dishonest or unfair in their dealings with you and if proper procedure is followed, then you, the wronged party, may recover triple the damages you’ve suffered.  

Member attorneys at the Boston Legal Group have successfully represented clients in a wide range of consumer protection actions. Consumer laws regulate the way businesses can advertise, market and sell their products and services to consumers.  As such, consumers are able to raise a variety of claims, such as those for damage to personal credit or violations contained in bulk-mailed sweepstakes.  Fraudulent acts include false advertising; high-pressure sales tactics; “bait and switch schemes” (where one product or service is offered but another actually delivered); billing fraud, and use of contract language that misleads consumers.  Additionally, civil rights cases can also fall under the consumer protection laws and involve both state and federal claims concerning race and gender discrimination in contracting, collection and housing, as well as in employment cases and unconscionable acts.

Experience

The Boston Legal Group brings extensive experience in law relating to business practices and consumer claims of all types. The group has a broad understanding of Massachusetts consumer protection and has been involved at the trial and appellate levels in interpreting and applying that law.  Likewise, the practice group is familiar with the Massachusetts legal and consumer litigation landscape, particularly Massachusetts plaintiff firms and their tactics. We use that familiarity to aggressively advocate for our clients’ rights and to protect what is rightfully theirs. 

Our extensive experience includes litigating consumer and business practice claims involving consumer/merchant and tenant/landlord disputes, as well as those between businesses. That experience extends to handling multiple actions in different courts, as well as handling smaller claims in litigation or alternative dispute resolution. If you are involved in a situation relating to financial services, computer networking, software, insurance, car rental, telecommunications, direct marketing, self-storage, auto finance, retail sales or any other type of consumer issue do not hesitate to contact us:

General Consumer Protection

• Duty of Good faith and fair dealings
• Consumer protection act (MGLA 93A)
• Commercial disparagement
• Unfair and deceptive business practices

Fraud

• Misrepresentations
• Commission Churning
• Unauthorized Transactions
• Execution Failures
• Excessive Mark-Ups
• Web-Broker Outages
• Unregistered Brokers
• Improper Margin Liquidations
• Broker Bribes
• Fraudulent Research
• Inappropriate Sales Practices

Insurance and Employment

• Health Insurance
• Auto Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Worker’s Compensation Insurance
• Fire and Casualty Insurance
• Homeowners Insurance
• General Liability Insurance
• Professional Liability Insurance
• Errors and Omissions Insurance

Class Actions

• Utility Company overcharges
• Illegal credit card usage fees
• Food Processing claims

30 Day Demand Letter

If you are unable to resolve a complaint and your problem involves an unfair or deceptive act or practice, which is a violation of the Massachusetts Consumer Protection Act, the law requires you to send the merchant a letter 30 days before filing a claim in court. (M.G.L. c. 93A).  Among a number of other technical requirements, the letter must outline your complaint, the harm you suffered, and how you want the problem resolved.   

BLG’s Consumer Protection affiliate, Corrigan, Bennett & Belfort, P.C., has the experience and resources to effectively guide you through the process.  We can help you successfully negotiate and, if need be, litigate your claims.

To read more about consumer protection the links below provide a wealth of information. 

Links

Consumer Protection

Neighborhoodlaw.org

Massachusetts Legal Services

Chapter 93A

Free Gift Tactics

Lawline.com

So whether your case presents a consumer protection question, a simple contracts dispute or complex shareholder or partnership agreement litigation our team of business attorneys will represent your matters with the full consideration and respect you deserve.

Going to court is hardball. If you want results, then be well represented.

Call our Business Litigation Practice Group at 781-696-4415 now for a free consultation or email us at info@bostonlg.com