An act or practice is unfair when it (1) causes or is likely to cause substantial injury to consumers, (2) cannot be reasonably avoided by consumers, and (3) is not outweighed by countervailing benefits to consumers or to competition. Congress codified the three-part unfairness test in 1994.
The Georgia Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division protects Georgia consumers and legitimate businesses from unfair and deceptive practices involving consumer transactions. We do this by investigating consumer complaints, monitoring the marketplace, law enforcement and consumer education.
The phrase unfair trade practices can be defined as any business practice or act that is deceptive, fraudulent, or causes injury to a consumer. These practices can include acts that are deemed unlawful, such as those that violate a consumer protection law.
An administrator or a private person may initiate an action for violation arising out of this Act. Pursuant to Section 10-1-420, any person, firm, or corporation engaged in false advertisement with no intent to sell on stated terms will be guilty of a misdemeanor.
Georgia's Fair Business Practices Act prohibits unfair and deceptive acts or practices in the marketplace. This law applies to consumer transactions involving the sale, lease or rental of goods, services or property mainly for personal, family or household purposes.
- Under the Georgia Trade Secrets Act, O.C.G.A. § 10-1-760 et seq., a claim for misappropriation of trade secrets requires a plaintiff to prove that: (1) the plaintiff had a trade secret; and (2) the opposing party misappropriated the trade secret.
(These practices are commonly called misleading or unfair business practices.) They include false advertising, misrepresentation, tied selling, and failing to comply with regulations. Under consumer protection laws, they are illegal and can lead to compensatory or punitive damages.
File a complaint with your local consumer protection office or the state agency that regulates the company. Notify the Better Business Bureau (BBB) in your area about your problem. The BBB tries to resolve your complaints against companies.
After a complaint is filed, it is reviewed by an attorney general representative who determines whether: The complaint is appropriate for mediation by the office. If it should be referred to another governmental entity that may be more suited to assist with the consumer's complaint.