Consumer Protection

Consumer Protection Lawyers

Every purchase, contract, and credit decision rests on the simple expectation that companies will treat you honestly. Too often, though, large corporations use deceptive tactics, hidden fees, and unlawful practices to tip the balance in their favor. When that happens, you deserve a strong advocate who understands both your rights and the law. Consumer protection laws exist to level the playing field, and knowing how they work is the first step toward holding a company accountable for the harm it has caused.

At Olivier & Schreiber PC, we have decades of experience in addressing corporate unfairness toward consumers. We bring deep knowledge of both state and federal consumer protection law to every case, committed to representing consumers and the public, not the corporations that take advantage of them.

Who We Serve

Corporate misconduct can affect anyone, often in ways that are difficult to spot until real harm has occurred. Olivier & Schreiber PC stands with consumers across a wide range of situations, such as:

• Consumers who bought a product or service based on advertising claims about quality, price, or results, only to receive something materially different.
• Consumers hit with hidden fees, surprise charges, or contract terms they never knowingly agreed to.
• Consumers left chasing a refund, repair, or warranty that a company keeps delaying or denying.
• Individuals denied credit, housing, insurance, or a job because of someone else’s debt, an outdated account, or an incorrect record on their report.
• Consumers whose sensitive personal information was improperly collected, shared, or exposed in a data breach.
• Consumers worn down by abusive practices, misleading representations, or deceptive omissions who are now seeking corporate accountability.

When corporate overreach is denying your rights as a consumer, our firm can help.

Your Rights Under State and Federal Law

As consumers, we often find ourselves in a less-than-desirable bargaining position and, in some cases, are taken advantage of outright by large corporations. Fortunately, a network of laws and regulations creates a more equitable balance between consumers and sellers by prohibiting dishonest tactics such as false advertising and unethical sales or debt collection practices. Determining exactly what your rights are in your specific situation can be difficult, but an experienced consumer protection attorney can walk you through your legal options.

False Advertising

Under federal law, consumers may file civil lawsuits against companies that engage in false advertising, such as misrepresenting the nature, qualities, characteristics, or origin of goods and services. The Federal Trade Commission also enforces these laws when a representation, omission, or practice is deemed deceptive because it:

• Misleads consumers; and
• Affects the behavior and decisions of consumers regarding a specific product or service.

California law likewise prohibits the dissemination of untrue or misleading information about products or services.

Unfair and Unlawful Business Practices

Consumer protections extend well beyond advertising to cover unfair, fraudulent, or unlawful business practices. These practices can include charging excessive fees, enforcing hidden or unclear contract terms, and avoiding obligations under warranties or refund agreements.

Violations of Privacy and Credit Reporting Laws

Federal and state law also protect consumers and employees from the unfair collection and use of their credit information and criminal record history. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and the California Investigative Consumer Reporting Agencies Act (ICRAA) guarantee consumers and employees the right to:

• Be told when information from their file has been used against them in the denial of an application for credit, insurance, or employment;
• Know what is in their files;
• Ask for a credit score; and
• Dispute incomplete or inaccurate information.

These laws regulate the conduct of consumer reporting agencies as well as the employers and creditors who rely on them. An agency may not share your information with anyone who lacks a valid need for it, and you must give consent before your information is provided to an employer or potential employer.

Why Partner With Olivier & Schreiber PC?

Taking on a corporation can be intimidating without an experienced legal advocate on your side. You can trust our firm to represent you well with our:

• Dedication to Representing Consumers and the Public
• Strong History of Holding Corporate Wrongdoing Accountable
• Individual Advocacy and Class Action Capability
• Litigation Strength and Appellate Depth
• Compassion for Each Client’s Case

With a steadfast commitment to protecting your rights and achieving justice, we are here to guide you through even the most complex legal challenges.

Contact an Experienced Consumer Protection Lawyer Today

If you believe a business has misled you, denied you a promised benefit, mishandled your personal information, or otherwise violated your rights, the experienced consumer protection attorneys at Olivier & Schreiber PC are ready to help. Do not hesitate to contact our firm today to discuss your rights under state and federal law and take the first step toward a fair resolution.

FAQs About Consumer Protection in California