Are you facing consumer fraud charges in Oklahoma? Our criminal defense lawyers will fight to defend your rights anywhere in Oklahoma.
Consumer fraud is a term used to describe a wide range of white collar crimes involving fraudulent acts specifically intended to deceive consumers. In an effort to crack down on consumer fraud in the state, Oklahoma lawmakers have established harsh penalties for this particular criminal offense, which can have a significant impact on an individual’s future. If you have been charged with consumer fraud in the state of Oklahoma, contact our qualified defense attorneys at Oklahoma Legal Center as soon as possible.
Consumer Fraud Charges
Consumer fraud includes a wide variety of claims by consumers that involve deception and misrepresentation, including faulty merchandise, failure to fulfill contracts and misleading advertisements. Many consumer fraud charges carry severe penalties, which may amount to several years in prison and significant fines. If you have been charged with consumer fraud in Oklahoma and you are facing serious penalties as a result, hiring experienced legal counsel is your best course of action.
Types of Consumer Fraud
Although the term “consumer fraud” encompasses a broad range of offenses, this type of white collar crime specifically involves fraudulent activities aimed at consumers, compared to corporate fraud and other forms of fraud. Under Oklahoma law, a consumer fraud charge could be associated with improper advertising, marketing, and improper representation of goods sold. Common types of consumer fraud include:
- Credit card fraud
- Insurance fraud
- Healthcare fraud
- Business fraud
Penalties for Consumer Fraud in Oklahoma
Oklahoma has adopted the Uniform Deceptive Trade Practices Act, and the provisions of the Act are incorporated into the Oklahoma Consumer Protection Act (CPA). According to these measures, any person or party who commits consumer fraud in the state is liable to the consumer “for the payment of actual damages sustained by the consumer and costs of litigation including reasonable attorney’s fees.” Penalties for consumer fraud under this Act may include:
- Revocation of license
- Actual damages and litigation costs
- Declaratory judgment
- Injunction
- Civil penalty up to $10,000 per violation of injunction, if violation is unconscionable
- Penalty up to $2,000 per violation of the CPA
It is estimated that 25 million Americans fall victim to consumer fraud every year, which is often considered a grand-theft offense. When a person is charged with grand theft involving white collar fraud, they often face the same penalties as individuals charged with other grand-theft crimes, including those involving motor vehicles or merchandise from a business.
Consult Our Qualified Defense Attorneys Today
In criminal law, fraud is generally defined as an intentionally deceptive act carried out for personal gain or for the purpose of damaging another individual. The definition of and penalties associated with consumer fraud vary on a state-by-state basis, which is why it is imperative to seek the help of a qualified criminal defense attorney in Oklahoma if you are facing consumer fraud charges anywhere in the state. By consulting our reputable defense attorneys at Oklahoma Legal Center, you can receive accurate information pertaining to your case and protect yourself from further harm.