How to Report Consumer Fraud and Scams

At Ross Law, we often get calls from consumers who were ripped off, but they may not have the best civil case for a lawyer to take on. Things like phone scams, robocalls, internet scams, and scams involving people overseas are often difficult for a non-government consumer lawyer to handle. However, that does not mean they should not be reported. Additionally, even scams like auto dealer fraud, debt collection scams, door-to-door sales scams, and unlawful trade practices should be reported even if a civil lawyer is able to assist. However, you should speak with a lawyer before reporting them.

Then the issue is how do you report these consumer scams? Here is a brief list of people and organizations that may be able to assist with your consumer Fraud:

1. Call Ross Law at 503.224.1658: We are happy to assist with referrals or discuss whether or not we would be a good fit to assist consumers who have been ripped off or defrauded by businesses. However, keep in mind we are not a government entity and we are limited by Civil remedies that we pursue on our client’s behalf. For more information about the difference between civil and criminal remedies click here.

2. Report to the Oregon Department of Justice: The Oregon Department of Justice (DOJ) has a couple of different ways to report complaints. You can call the consumer hotline at 18778779392 or you can file a complaint online. You are also able to search for past complaints against a business that operated in Oregon. Click here for more info.

3. Report to the CFPB & FTC: The Federal Government has the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) which is part of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The CFPB has a new website to report scams, fraud, and bad business practices. It is a user-friendly website that asks you to tell the CFPB about the scam. The FTC asserts it will use that information to investigate the scammers and hopefully bring them to justice. Click here for more information on how to make a report of fraud, scams, or unfair business practices.

4. Report to the Better Business Bureau: The Better Business Bureau is a private entity that focuses on consumer complaints and reviews. They are not a government entity so they have no power to enforce the law. The BBB also charges businesses to advertise with them. To search for a business or make a complaint click here.

5. Report to Local Law Enforcement: Some local law enforcement agencies have investigators to investigate fraud and scams.

The above list is not exhaustive. There are many other places you can report scams, fraud, and unlawful business practices, but please keep these in mind. Please remember that this blog post may be considered Attorney advertising. If you have any questions about auto dealer fraud the Oregon Lemon Law, personal injury cases, auto crash injuries, bicycle crashes, and other injury or death cases please call Portland Oregon Personal Injury and Consumer Fraud lawyer Jeremiah Ross at 503.224.1658.

Jeremiah Ross Selected as a SuperLawyer! Again....

2019 was an incredible year for Ross Law and Jeremiah Ross! Ross Law fought tirelessly for our clients in personal injury cases, insurance disputes, wrongful death cases, medical malpractice cases, lemon law cases, auto dealership fraud cases, and crime victim cases. Ross law achieved incredible results for our clients.

Peers selected Jeremiah Ross as a 2020 SuperLawyer for personal injury general plaintiff’s practice. This is the fifth year Jeremiah Ross has been recognized by SuperLawyers.

• 2020 Oregon Super Lawyers

• 2019 Oregon Super Lawyers

• 2018 Oregon Super Lawyers

• 2017 Oregon Rising Stars

• 2016 Oregon Rising Stars

We look forward to continuing with the amazing success Ross Law has had and are thankful to be rated as a SuperLawyer!

Please remember the results may vary for each client. Each case is different. If you or someone you know needs to speak with a Personal Injury Lawyer, Wrongful Death Lawyer, Crime Victim Lawyer, or Consumer Lawyer, please call 503.224.1658 to speak with Ross Law. This post may be considered Attorney Advertising.

3 Things Oregon Car Buyer's Should Know Before Going to the Dealer

As an Oregon Consumer Lawyer I regularly sue Car Dealerships on behalf of people that get ripped off. Some Car Dealers have perfected the art of bamboozling customers in an effort to squeeze every penny out of the deal. Some dealers do such a masterful job, that most consumers feel powerless even though something “doesn’t feel right.” However, Car Buyers do have rights and can assert those rights. Here are 3 tips to help you Protect Yourself from a Car Dealer:

1) Read the Documents: It is a no brainer that you should read what you are signing. However, dealers use tactics to prevent this. Dealers are trained to keep their hands on the documents and point where to sign while engaging in conversation with you. You can protect yourself by asking the dealer to step out of the office or away from the desk and give you time to read the documents. You can also politely ask the dealer to stop talking as you are going through the documents, and remind them that you are trying to focus. There is never enough time to read all of the small print. However, before you sign the documents you should have an understanding of the major aspects of the deal.

2) Shop Based on Total Sale Price: Many people purchase cars solely based on the monthly payments. Focusing on monthly payments puts the consumer at a disadvantage because the dealer can tweak the financing and price of add-ons to keep the monthly payments roughly the same, but the actual amount financed of the vehicle is substantially higher. You can protect yourself by shopping based on the “Total Sale Price” of the vehicle. That price is located on the truth in lending act disclosures that the dealer requires you to sign.

3) Don’t Be Afraid to Walk Away If Something Doesn’t Feel Right: If you think the dealer is trying to take advantage of you then walk away. Dealers use long delays to exhaust buyers so that the dealer can get them to rush through signing the paperwork. You can combat this by giving them a certain amount of time to prepare the documents or you walk. You can also walk out if you get the sense that the dealer is trying to pull a fast one or take advantage of you.

If you or someone you know has been ripped off by a car dealer please call Ross Law PDX at 503.224.1658. Oregon Consumer Lawyer Jeremiah Ross has represented numerous consumers who have been victims of auto fraud, unlawful car sales, and vehicle financing schemes. Please remember that rules and laws are constantly changing. PLEASE NOTE THAT THERE ARE NUMEROUS OTHER THINGS YOU CAN DO TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM BEING RIPPED OFF (Vehicle inspections, taking financing documents home, pre-loan approval, etc.) These are simply three basic tips. Please contact a lawyer or refer to the law rather than simply relying on this post. This post could be considered ATTORNEY ADVERTISING.