Consumer Protection

Understanding Consumer Protection in Texas

Consumers in Tyler TX, Smith County, and throughout Eastern Texas are protected from unfair business practices under both federal and state laws. If you have been misled, defrauded, or harassed by businesses, lenders, or debt collectors, you have legal rights. Texas consumer protection laws provide recourse against deceptive trade practices, abusive debt collection, and fraudulent financial agreements.

Common Consumer Protection Issues in Tyler, TX

Residents of Tyler and surrounding areas often face consumer rights violations in various forms, including:

• Unfair Debt Collection Practices – Harassment, threats, and misleading statements from debt collectors violate the Texas Debt Collection Act (Tex. Fin. Code §392.001 et seq.) and the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) (15 U.S.C. §1692).
• Predatory Lending – Payday loans, high-interest installment loans, and misleading mortgage practices may violate Texas finance laws and result in legal action. The Texas Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner (OCCC) (occc.texas.gov) oversees lending practices and enforces compliance.
• Identity Theft & Credit Fraud – Texas residents have rights under the Texas Identity Theft Enforcement and Protection Act (Tex. Bus. & Com. Code §48.001 et seq.). Victims should report fraud to the Texas Attorney General’s Office (www.texasattorneygeneral.gov) and request fraud alerts through credit bureaus.
• Auto Fraud & Lemon Law Violations – If you’ve purchased a defective vehicle, Texas Lemon Laws (Tex. Occ. Code §301.001 et seq.) provide legal remedies for replacement or repair.
• Unfair Business Practices & Deceptive Advertising – Businesses engaging in false advertising, misleading contracts, or defective product sales may be in violation of the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices-Consumer Protection Act (DTPA) (Tex. Bus. & Com. Code §17.41).

Your Legal Rights Under Texas Consumer Protection Laws

Texas provides strong consumer protections, including:

• Right to Sue for Damages – Victims of fraud, deception, or unlawful debt collection may be entitled to compensation, including damages and attorney fees.
• Debt Collection Restrictions – Creditors and debt collectors cannot harass, threaten, or use deceptive tactics to collect debts.
• Credit Reporting Rights – Consumers can dispute errors in credit reports through the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) (www.consumerfinance.gov).
• Identity Theft Protection – Victims of identity theft can place security freezes on their credit reports and seek legal action against fraudulent activity.

What To Do If Your Consumer Rights Are Violated in Texas

If you are experiencing unfair business practices, consider the following steps:

1. Document Everything – Keep records of calls, emails, transactions, and contracts related to the dispute.
2. File a Complaint – You can file complaints with the Texas Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division (www.texasattorneygeneral.gov), the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) (www.ftc.gov), or the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) (www.consumerfinance.gov).
3. Check for Texas Lemon Law Protections – If dealing with a defective vehicle, file a complaint with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) (www.txdmv.gov).
4. Consult a Lawyer – If you’re facing serious financial harm, legal action may be necessary to recover damages.

How a Bankruptcy Attorney Can Help

If you’ve been deceived, harassed, or financially harmed by unfair business practices in Tyler, Smith County, or anywhere in Eastern Texas, an experienced bankruptcy attorney can help you:

• File lawsuits against fraudulent companies
• Stop debt collection harassment
• Recover damages for financial losses
• Enforce your rights under Texas law

Contact a Bankruptcy Lawyer in Tyler, Texas

If you’re facing unfair debt collection, fraud, or other consumer rights violations, don’t wait to take action. Howard Tagg, a trusted  bankruptcy lawyer in Tyler, TX, can help you fight back against unlawful business practices.

📞 Call (903) 581-9961 today for a free consultation.