Thom Cafferty Law Office

Your Guide To Maritime, Bankruptcy And Consumer Protection Law In Toledo

 

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Understanding Federal Protection Laws For Ohio Consumers

Federal and state consumer protection laws are designed to protect you from unfair, deceptive or unconscionable practices. If you have been victimized by such practices, an experienced consumer protection lawyer can help you protect your rights.

At the Thom Cafferty Law Office I handle a wide range of legal issues for consumers across Northwest Ohio, including lemon law issues, warranty claims and car repair disputes. If you are not sure whether your case qualifies, call my office for a free, one-hour initial consultation.

Consumer Protection From Deceptive Practices

If you were deceived about important factors such as the quantity, quality, price, availability or style of your purchase you may have a case. If your supplier entered into an unfair sales transaction with you because they knew you were unable to pay the full price or unable to understand the terms of the agreement, you may have a case.

If you have been victimized by a deceptive or unconscionable consumer practices, you may be entitled to economic and noneconomic damages. Contact me, attorney Thom Cafferty to learn if the seller in question has broken the law.

What Dealers Cannot Do

There are multiple federal laws that protect car buyers. I can discuss how your situation is affected by these federal consumer protection laws, including:

  • Car Dealers and Acquisition Fees: Dealers who increase the price of cars with “acquisition fees” may be violating the Federal Truth in Lending Act (TILA). The TILA is designed to protect car buyers from unfair credit transactions.
  • Deceptive Warranties & Federal Lemon Laws: The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act protects consumers from warranty deception. A car dealer must present all of the warranty information to you in a manner that is clearly understandable. Dealers must follow very specific rules for warranties and adhere to all warranty agreements.

Vehicle Protection Under the Ohio Administrative Code (OAC)

The Ohio Administrative Code offers additional protection for motor vehicle buyers. For example, dealers may not:

  • Offer a vehicle for sale at one price and raise the price at a later point
  • Fail to incorporate their verbal promises into the sales contract
  • Misrepresent the size, inventory, quality, price or other facts about the vehicle

The OAC also has very specific rules about deposits. A supplier must explain your purchase to you, provide you with the cash selling price and other important information before you pay the deposit, and retain the car for you once they accept your deposit.

Contact Thom Cafferty Today

If you purchased a new motor vehicle in Ohio and experience persistent problems getting the car to function properly, or if a retailer has engaged in unfair, deceptive or unconscionable practices, a knowledgeable consumer law attorney can help secure the legal relief you need and deserve. Email me at the Thom Cafferty Law Office or call me direct at 419-244-0169.