State Unfair & Deceptive Practices Acts (UDAP) Summary

What is required?

Many states have enacted laws to protect consumers from unfair or deceptive practices by businesses. The requirements of the Unfair and Deceptive Acts or Practices Statutes (UDAP) vary from state to state.  Generally speaking, UDAPs protect consumers from businesses that seek to deceive or take advantage of the consumer.

Who is regulated?

Common examples of entities which tend to be regulated by this law include retail stores, car dealerships, cellular service providers, utility companies, credit card companies, stores that rent furniture, electronics,. and other businesses.

When does the law apply?

Although it varies from state to state, UDAPs generally apply to many types of everyday consumer transactions including:

• Purchasing a new car or leasing a car

• Leasing or buying furniture, electronics or other items

• Various credit transactions

• Certain types of insurance coverage

If a business has violated your rights, attorneys may write letters to the businesses which inform them that your rights were violated under a UDAP law and which seek to bring about a settlement offer before potentially filing suit. Depending on the UDAP law, if a consumer’s UDAP rights are violated, a consumer may be entitled to recover actual damages, punitive damages and, in certain states, attorney fees and court costs.

Last Modified: Thursday, May 9, 2013