In our increasingly global (and mobile world), the possibilities for fraud and/or deception in business transactions grow exponentially. To protect consumers, the federal government and individual states have introduced laws prohibiting certain activities characterized as "deceptive" business practices, which can include a range of acts from odometer tampering to false advertising.
The federal government’s consumer protection agency, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), handles complaints relating to various businesses at the national level. The FTC works to protect both consumers and businesses by preventing fraud and deception by businesses, while also ensuring fair competition within the market.
At the state level, New Jersey deceptive trade practices law, like many other states, does not adhere to the Uniform Deceptive Trade Practices Act. However, the state prohibits false advertising and automobile odometer tampering. The state attorney general has the authority to prosecute offenders. Private parties affected by deceptive business practices can also sue for money damages.
The basics of New Jersey's deceptive trade practices law are listed below, with links to additional articles and resources.
| Uniform Deceptive Trade Practices Act Adopted | No (§§56:8-1, et seq.) |
| False Advertising Forbidden | Yes (§56:8-2) |
| Who May Bring Suit | Attorney general, private party (§56.8-10, 11) |
| Remedies Available | Penalty as Attorney General deems proper (§56.8-3.1); injunction; penalty up to $10,000 for first offense and $20,000 for second (§56:8-13) attorney general may recover costs of suit in an action maintained by the state (§56:8-11); senior citizens receive twice the amount or value (§56:8-14) |
| Auto Odometer Tampering Forbidden | Yes (§2C:21-8) |
Note: State laws are constantly changing -- contact a New Jersey consumer protection attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.
More Information
For additional information on New Jersey deceptive trade practices, click on the links to related resources listed below. If you have more general questions regarding deceptive trade practices, or would like to learn more about consumer rights, feel free to browse FindLaw’s consumer protection section. Finally, if you have a more specific question or need legal advice regarding New Jersey’s consumer protection laws, consider hiring a consumer protection attorney to help protect your rights.
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New Jersey Deceptive Trade Practices Laws: Related Resources
