30 Scenarios in Consumer Law Explained by Lawyers

1–10 Product Quality and Warranties A product breaks within weeks of its purchase, and the store does not assist the customer. Explanation: The product may have an implied warranty of merchantability; it must be able to do what it was expected to do. The store must repair, replace, or refund.

Extended warranty does not cover repairs as promised.

Explanation: If the terms of the warranty are unclear or misleading, the company can be held liable for breach of contract.

A customer purchases a “final sale” item that does not work.

Explanation: Final sale items must meet the minimum quality threshold unless they were sold as-is with known defects.

A repair under warranty takes months to complete

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Explanation: Warranty obligations may have been breached in allowing such long delays. In this case, the consumer has alternative remedies

A customer is charged for repairs that should have been covered by warranty.

Explanation: The charge of warranty-covered repairs violates the consumer’s rights, and the client may demand a refund.

A product has collapsed after the expiration of the warranty.

Explanation: Unless there is proof that defects occurred during the warranty period, most cases of obligation end with the final date of warranty expiration.

A retailer refuses to honor a manufacturer’s warranty.

Explanation: Retailers may not be obligated to honor manufacturer warranties, but manufacturers must fulfill their terms.

A company denies warranty claims for minor misuse.

Explanation: Companies cannot cancel warranties for technical or collateral misuse.

A “lifetime warranty” product breaks down after 10 years.

Explanation: Lifetime warranties usually refer to the product’s useful life, not the purchaser’s lifetime. Terms need to be defined.

A service contract does not provide expected benefits.

Explanation: Consumers may sue for breach of contract and seek refunds or specific performance.

11–20: Billing and Sales Practices

A consumer is charged twice for a purchase.

ExPLANATION: The merchant must return the overcharge; disputes can go to the bank or credit card company.

Advertising a product is one thing. Selling another thing altogether.

Explanation: Bait-and-switch advertising is illegal; the customer should be able to demand the product advertised or complaint.

Auto-Renew

ExPLANATION: Auto-renewal where the consumer lacks notice is considered a violation in many jurisdictions. The consumer has the right to cancel and then request a refund.

A salesperson misrepresents a product’s features.

Explanation: Misrepresentation can lead to refunds or damages under deceptive trade practices laws.

A customer is charged for unordered goods.

Explanation: Unsolicited goods are considered gifts in many jurisdictions, and the consumer is not obligated to pay.

A company bills a customer for a canceled service.

Explanation: Continuing charges after cancellation can lead to legal action for breach of contract and unfair practices.

A product is advertised at a low price but not available.

Explanation: False advertising laws may require the seller to honor the advertised price or compensate the customer.

A customer disputes fraudulent credit card charges.

Explanation: The card issuer must investigate and resolve disputes under the Fair Credit Billing Act (FCBA).

A business charges hidden fees not disclosed upfront.

Explanation: Hidden fees violate transparency requirements, and customers can demand refunds or file complaints.

A loan agreement contains ambiguous terms.

Explanation: Truth-in-lending laws require lenders to provide clear terms. Ambiguities can render parts of the agreement invalid.

21–30: Online and Digital Consumer Issues

An online retailer fails to deliver a purchased item.

Explanation: Consumers are entitled to a refund under e-commerce protection laws.

A downloaded app does not work as promised.

Explanation: The seller or platform may be liable for refunds under digital goods protection laws.

An e-retailer does not accept return on defective merchandise.

Explanation: There are requirements for return on defective goods in several jurisdictions even with respect to electronic sales.

A consumer has unwittingly subscribed to a free trial offer with a month to month charge afterward.

Explanation: Failure to properly disclose a charge is unlawful and consumers are able to claim refund.

A peer-to-peer seller misstates an item for sale on a marketplace.

Explanation: Marketplace has processes in place for disputes. The seller is potentially liable under misrepresentation doctrines.

A website collects personal data without consent.

Explanation: Laws like GDPR or CCPA require explicit consent for data collection, allowing consumers to file complaints.

A digital product is removed after purchase without notice.

Explanation: Consumers may demand a refund or replacement under digital rights management laws.

An online ad leads to a phishing scam.

Explanation: Platforms hosting fraudulent ads may be liable if they failed to act on reports of scams.

A consumer is overcharged for an in-app purchase.

Explanation: Platforms must refund incorrect charges under payment processing regulations.

A streaming service increases prices without notice.

Explanation: Price changes must be communicated clearly, allowing consumers to cancel if they disagree.

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