st. louis Fraud Lawyer
St. Louis Fraud Lawyer
Businesses and consumers in St. Louis are entitled to have truthful information presented to them about the goods and services they purchase. When businesses, financial institutions, or insurance companies engage in misleading advertising, deceptive business practices, cause severe financial damages or physical injury, or fail to uphold their part of a contract, they must be held accountable.
For over a decade, we have fought against businesses in St. Louis on behalf of victims of fraud, and we have consistently secured large confidential settlements for our clients.
Our St. Louis fraud lawyers can help you recover the peace of mind and financial security that has been taken from you. To schedule a free consultation, call 314-987-0009
Fraud Cases We Handle
Our boutique law firm handles a broad range of cases involving fraud – including false advertising, financial services misconduct, breach of contract, and bad faith insurance claims.
However, we are not your average consumer fraud law firm. We do not take any cases involving car dealerships or lemon law.
If you have been harmed, whether financially or physically, because of fraudulent business practices, we can help.
Signs of Fraud
The signs of fraud vary greatly depending on the type of fraud. These are some general warning signs to look out for.
- Physical injuries after consuming or using a product
- Financial discrepancies
- Suspicious behavior or communication
- Missing or inconsistent records
- Asset losses
- Deceptive and misleading advertising
- Failure to disclose critical information about products
- Denial of an insurance claim that should be covered
Missouri Fraud Laws
The Missouri Merchandising Practices Act (MMPA) is a state law designed to protect Missouri consumers from deceptive and unfair business practices in the sale or advertisement of products and services. The MMPA covers a broad range of consumer protection issues, including false advertising, fraud, misrepresentation, and concealment of material facts. It applies to all types of transactions—goods, real estate, and services—and aims to ensure that consumers are not misled or deceived in any aspect of their purchases. The law allows consumers to file claims even in cases where they have not suffered direct financial loss, as long as they can demonstrate that they were misled by unfair or deceptive practices.
One of the unique features of the MMPA is its relatively low burden of proof compared to other states’ consumer protection laws. This means that consumers do not necessarily have to show an intent to deceive on the part of the business, making it easier for plaintiffs to bring successful claims. The MMPA also allows for the recovery of damages, attorney’s fees, and in some cases, punitive damages, which serves as a deterrent against unethical business conduct. The act is a powerful tool for Missouri consumers and their advocates, providing a broad shield against the harmful effects of misleading or fraudulent practices in the marketplace.
Federal Fraud Laws
The Unfair Business Practices Claims Act is a federal and state-level framework that allows consumers and businesses to seek legal recourse against organizations engaging in deceptive, fraudulent, or unfair practices. This act is designed to protect individuals and entities from various forms of exploitation, including false advertising, unfair competition, price manipulation, and misleading statements about products or services. In general, the act aims to ensure transparency and fairness in business operations, holding companies accountable for practices that mislead or harm consumers financially or otherwise.
The act empowers plaintiffs to file lawsuits for damages resulting from unfair practices and, in some cases, may allow for additional punitive damages if the conduct is found to be particularly egregious. It also grants states the ability to enforce penalties against businesses in violation, helping deter future misconduct. Importantly, these laws are often flexible and allow courts to interpret what constitutes “unfair” or “deceptive” behavior based on context, making them a valuable tool for individuals or businesses impacted by unethical business conduct. Through this act, victims can pursue compensation and corrective actions, strengthening protections for all parties involved in the marketplace.
Fraud In St. Louis
Whether it’s identity theft, nonprofit malfeasance, wire fraud, or just about any other kind of fraudulent business activity, fraud in St. Louis is widespread.
For fraud related to the spending of city tax dollars, The St. Louis Fraud Hotline is available to report suspected misuse of city funds. Likewise, St. Louis County has a Confidential Fraud Hotline for reporting suspected waste of government resources.
Next Steps For Winning Your St. Louis Fraud Case
Navigating fraud claims in St. Louis can be complex, especially when the financial damages or physical injuries are severe.
Getting started with our law firm is easy.
Here is what you can expect.
Step 1: Contact us by filling out the contact form or call us at 314-987-0009
Step 2: We will take action immediately and investigate your case.
Step 3: If we take your case, we fight to recover what you deserve.
Winning Fraud Cases in St. Louis
At Kevin Etzkorn Law, the commitment of our St. Louis fraud lawyers to achieving justice for our clients is reflected in our impressive track record of fraud case outcomes.
Our recent case outcomes showcase our dedication and expertise in securing favorable results for those wronged by businesses and insurance companies.
- In a Missouri Merchandising Practices Act (“MMPA”) case, our client had a dispute with an estate sale company. At trial, after less than an hour of deliberations, a unanimous jury awarded compensatory damages in favor of our client. The following day, the jury added punitive damages. Under the MMPA, we were allowed to submit attorneys’ fees as well. The case settled before a hearing over attorneys’ fees.
- We represented a family whose insurer denied any coverage following a fire loss at the home. Our successful representation led to payment by the insurer of the limit of its homeowners’ insurance policy.
- We recently represented a sitting judge in a case against a major retailer who had breached a large construction project the judge had hired it to perform. Because of the defendant’s egregious mistakes, the judge and her family suffered substantial financial harm and were even displaced from use of their home for an extended period. We filed suit for breach of contract and for unfair business practices under the Missouri Merchandising Practices Act. After years of litigation, the case was resolved for a confidential sum.
- In a case against a professional, we made claims for breach of fiduciary duty for failing to provide services he was contractually obligated to provide. The case was settled confidentially.
What Our Clients Say
Contact our St. Louis Fraud Lawyers Today
If you have been a victim of fraud, submit your information for a free case evaluation. Once we have your information, we will contact you, usually within 24 hours. And you will not owe anything for a case review.
Call: (314) 987-0009
Text: (314) 804-0953