Mercer Times

Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the Division of Consumer Affairs released details on consumer protection initiatives undertaken in 2024. These efforts targeted unlawful business practices, unscrupulous investment schemes, and unfair conduct in high-complaint industries.

The Division employed crackdowns, taskforce sweeps, and undercover investigations through its Office of Consumer Protection (OCP), Office of Weights and Measures (OWM), and Bureau of Securities.

"The Division of Consumer Affairs is responsible for enforcing laws that touch virtually every facet of consumers’ lives," said Attorney General Platkin. "The work done by the Division last year demonstrates its ongoing commitment to promoting equity and fairness."

Director Cari Fais noted, "By working collaboratively and targeting enforcement efforts to maximize impact, the units within the Division successfully tackled a significant number of consumer protection issues during 2024."

The OCP focused on home improvement contractors, motor vehicle sales/advertising, public movers, unlawful business practices involving firearms retailers, and flavored vaping products. It resolved cases with $2.60 million in penalties from home improvement contractors for violations like unregistered operations and contract failures.

Motor vehicle complaints led to actions against 32 auto dealerships resulting in $498,877.54 in penalties. "Operation Safe Move" targeted unlicensed moving companies with notices totaling $85,000 in penalties for selling banned vaping products.

OWM's inspections resulted in 3,438 summonses for product weight discrepancies and labeling violations. A major settlement with Walmart amounted to $1.64 million over unit pricing issues.

The Bureau of Securities issued 20 enforcement orders assessing over $1.39 million in civil penalties against firms violating securities laws.

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