Buyers and sellers do not always bargain as equals. Consumer protection is the body of laws and regulations designed to guard purchasers of goods and services against unfair, deceptive, or unsafe practices.

These rules address false advertising, defective products, abusive credit practices, and failure to disclose material terms. Remedies may include rescission, damages, civil penalties, and government enforcement actions. Agencies often have authority to issue rules and pursue violators administratively.

Consumer-protection statutes supplement general contract and tort law with brighter-line duties and private rights of action. Businesses that deal with the public must design compliance systems around these requirements. Effective enforcement depends on both public agencies and private litigation.

• Laws protecting buyers from unfair practices
• Covers advertising, safety, credit, and disclosure
• Enforced by agencies and private suits
• Adds specific duties beyond general contract law