Deceived by a Business? New Jersey Law Protects You Against Consumer Fraud

Consumers in New Jersey are protected by one of the strongest consumer fraud statutes in the country. If you’ve been misled, overcharged, or sold defective products or services, you may be entitled to compensation—plus triple damages—under the New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act.

At Ratliff Jackson LLP, we represent individuals and small business owners who have been defrauded by deceptive sales tactics, false advertising, and unlawful business practices. From Cherry Hill to Trenton, we help South Jersey residents fight back against predatory contractors, dishonest service providers, and large corporations that violate consumer protection law.

Common Consumer Fraud Cases We Handle in Cherry Hill

We pursue civil litigation against companies that engage in:

• False or misleading advertising
• Bait-and-switch sales tactics
• Overbilling or unauthorized charges
• Unlicensed home improvement work
• Sale of defective or unsafe products
• Breach of warranties or refund guarantees
• Auto dealer fraud (odometer rollback, misrepresentation of condition)
• Mortgage, loan, or credit scams
• Deceptive contractor estimates and billing
• Non-disclosure of material facts in real estate or service transactions

These cases are governed by the New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act (N.J.S.A. 56:8-1 et seq.), which allows victims to seek compensation for actual losses, attorneys’ fees, and statutory treble damages.

Who Can Sue for Consumer Fraud in New Jersey?

Under New Jersey law, any consumer—including individuals and small businesses—may bring a civil action if they suffered an ascertainable loss due to a merchant’s deception, omission, or fraud.

We represent:

• Homeowners defrauded by contractors or repair services
• Elderly consumers targeted by telemarketing or subscription scams
• Drivers misled by auto repair shops or car dealerships
• Tenants misled by landlords or management companies
• Borrowers deceived by lenders, brokers, or credit repair agencies
• Online shoppers misled by false descriptions or fake reviews

We help you document your loss, preserve evidence, and pursue a strong claim under the law.

What Is an “Ascertainable Loss”?

An “ascertainable loss” means you suffered a measurable, out-of-pocket financial loss due to the fraud. This might include:

• Money paid for a product or service you didn’t receive
• The difference in value between what was promised and what was delivered
• Cost of repairs or corrections due to shoddy work
• Down payments or deposits that were never returned
• Money spent as a result of a misleading ad or claim

We work with you to calculate actual damages, which the court may triple under the statute.

Consumer Fraud Claims vs. Breach of Contract

Consumer fraud is not just bad service or broken promises—it involves deception. To qualify under the Consumer Fraud Act, the business must have:

• Made a false statement of fact
• Concealed important information
• Misrepresented a material detail
• Intentionally omitted key facts
• Acted in a way that misled the average consumer

You may also have a breach of contract or warranty claim in addition to consumer fraud. Our firm evaluates all potential claims to maximize your recovery.

Damages Available in Consumer Fraud Lawsuits

Under the New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act, successful plaintiffs may recover:

• Actual financial losses
• Treble (triple) damages
• Reasonable attorneys’ fees
• Punitive damages (in egregious cases)
• Injunctive relief to stop ongoing practices

The law is designed to protect the public and punish repeat violators. Even modest financial losses can result in significant civil penalties for businesses that violate the statute.

Proving a Consumer Fraud Case in Civil Court

To prevail in court, we must prove:

1. The defendant committed an unlawful act or misrepresentation
2. You suffered an ascertainable financial loss
3. The fraud caused your loss

We collect evidence such as:

• Contracts, emails, and receipts
• Advertisements or marketing materials
• Witness statements or expert evaluations
• Bank records or billing statements
• Correspondence showing failed repairs, refunds, or service attempts

We handle cases in Superior Court and Special Civil Part, depending on the value of the loss.

Where We File Consumer Fraud Lawsuits in South Jersey

We represent clients in:

• Camden County Superior Court – Civil Division and Special Civil Part
• Burlington and Gloucester County courts
• Cherry Hill, Mount Laurel, Voorhees, and Pennsauken Municipal Courts
• Small claims proceedings for lower-value fraud cases
• Structured settlements or arbitration when applicable

Whether the issue involves a $500 contractor scam or a $50,000 real estate deception, we pursue your rights fully.

Consumer Fraud Lawsuit FAQs for New Jersey Residents

Q: What’s the time limit to file a consumer fraud lawsuit in NJ?
A: You generally have six years from the date of the fraud to file a civil claim under the Consumer Fraud Act.

Q: Do I need to prove intent?
A: No. The New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act is a strict liability statute. You do not need to prove the business intended to defraud—only that they engaged in deceptive conduct.

Q: Can I sue even if the amount of money is small?
A: Yes. You can bring a claim even for a small loss. If you win, the court may award triple damages and attorneys’ fees.

Q: What if I already accepted a refund or partial payment?
A: It depends. We evaluate whether your rights were waived or if further recovery is possible under the law.

Q: Is consumer fraud different from negligence?
A: Yes. Consumer fraud involves deception. Negligence involves carelessness. Each has different legal standards and remedies.

Talk to a Cherry Hill Consumer Fraud Attorney Today

If you’ve been deceived by a business, contractor, lender, or seller in New Jersey, don’t accept the loss as final. At Ratliff Jackson LLP, we help clients recover what they’re owed—and more—under the New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act. Our attorneys fight back against deceptive business practices across Cherry Hill, Camden County, and South Jersey.

To schedule a consultation, call (856) 209-3111 or email [email protected]. We’ll review your situation, explain your rights, and help you decide the next legal step.