Scams and Deceptive Sales

A supplier may not commit an unfair, abusive or deceptive act, omission or practice in connection with a consumer transaction, before, during or after it.

• §IC 24-5-0.5-3StatuteUnfair, abusive, or deceptive acts, omissions, or acts prohibited; enumeration of deceptive actsOpens iga.in.gov ↗

A consumer relying on an uncured or incurable deceptive act may sue for actual damages or $500, whichever is greater. For a willful deceptive act the court may raise the award to the greater of three times the actual damages or $1,000, and may award attorney's fees to the prevailing party.

• §IC 24-5-0.5-4StatuteActions and proceedings; damages; injunctions; civil penalties; offer to cure; violations involving debt collectionOpens iga.in.gov ↗

• Unless the act is incurable, the consumer first gives the supplier written notice of the deceptive act and the damage, within the sooner of six months after discovering it, one year after the transaction, or any warranty period of at least 30 days.
• The supplier may then cure it; an action follows only where the act stays uncured.
• The action is brought not more than two years after the deceptive act.

• §IC 24-5-0.5-5StatuteLimitation of actionsOpens iga.in.gov ↗

A supplier who made a timely offer to cure is not liable for the consumer's later attorney's fees and costs unless the damages awarded exceed the offer. The attorney general may also sue to stop deceptive practices and recover civil penalties.

• §IC 24-5-0.5-4StatuteActions and proceedings; damages; injunctions; civil penalties; offer to cure; violations involving debt collectionOpens iga.in.gov ↗