Alabama Deceptive Trade Practices Laws

Created by FindLaw's team of legal writers and editors | Last reviewed June 20, 2016

We know when we’re buying something that we want to keep as much money as possible in our wallets while the seller wants to get as much out as they can. This is fine, but what if there’s something going on that we don’t know about, like sellers using misleading tactics or making false claims about their product?

These so-called “deceptive trade practices” can include anything from overstating the benefits of vitamins to concealing a used car’s accident history. Fortunately for consumers in the Yellowhammer State, laws are on the books to protect citizens from shady sales tactics. This is an introduction to deceptive trade practice laws in Alabama.

Deceptive Trade Practices Laws

While Alabama has not adopted the Uniform Deceptive Trade Practices Act, the state has several statutes under both its Consumer Protection and Criminal sections that prohibit shady sales practices. Deceptive trade practices laws in Alabama are highlighted in the table below.

Uniform Deceptive Trade Practices Act Adopted	No. Code of Alabama 8-19-1, et seq.: Deceptive Trade Practices
False Advertising Forbidden	Yes. Code of Alabama 13A-9-42: False Advertising
Who May Bring Suit	Private parties, attorney general, district attorney (§8-19-8)
Remedies Available	Restraining orders (§8-19-8); actual damages or $100, whichever is greater, or in court's discretion up to three times actual damages (§8-19-10); continuous willful violation is Class A misdemeanor (§8-19-12); civil penalty up to $25,000 per violation (§8-19-11)
Auto Odometer Tampering Forbidden	Yes §8-19-5(15)

Protecting Yourself Against Deceptive Trade Practices

State laws prohibiting deceptive trade practices laws are great, but they can only provide a remedy after the fact. Therefore, consumers should always be on guard to avoid scams before they fall for them. You can contact a consumer protection office in your area to learn about local scams or report a person or local business of engaging in deceptive business practices.

Federal resources, like www.consumeraction.gov, and a number of nonprofits, like the Better Business Bureau at www.bbb.org and www.fraud.org can assist you with a consumer fraud complaint, from filling out a fraud complaint online, to filing it with the appropriate local, state, and federal agencies.