What To Do if a Business is Unethical

Even as young kids, we all know the importance of playing fair. It is an expected part of schoolyard play, and those who cheat or don’t abide by the rules are vehemently called out on their behavior by other kids in the game.

Unfortunately, fraud, deception, and other forms of unfair play are still an all-too-common occurrence among businesses in the free market, and there are not nearly enough loud voices in the field calling for justice to be served – even with rules and laws in place to protect against negative and unethical business practices.

The Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act (FDUTPA) seeks to enforce honesty and fairness in commercial dealings. Pursuant to F.S. §501.204, unlawful acts and practices include:

• Unfair methods of competition
• Unconscionable acts and practices
• Unfair or deceptive acts

In practice, these behaviors take the form of specific actions, such as:

• False advertising
• Failure to disclose loan conditions
• Misrepresentations
• Passing off one’s goods or services as those of another
• “Bait-and-switch” advertising
• Monopolies
• Interference with another’s contract
• Libel or slander of another company’s products or services

Unethical business behavior may be a breach of contract as well as a legal violation that may nullify all or part of the legally binding contract. The reality, however, is that there is also unethical behavior that is not illegal. For example, some interest rates may seem excessively high, yet they may still be within the legal bounds of the state’s usury laws.

If you encounter a business that has treated you unfairly or exhibits unethical business practices, get in touch with us at Jacobs Legal rights way. We will help you take the best course of action when it comes to fighting fraud and deceptive practices in Florida.