Deceptive Business Practices
G.S. 75-16 — treble damages for an unfair or deceptive practice
In North Carolina, unfair methods of competition and unfair or deceptive acts or practices in or affecting commerce are unlawful. Commerce covers all business activities, but not professional services by a member of a learned profession.
Treble damages. A person injured by a violation has a right of action, and if damages are found, judgment is entered for treble the amount the verdict fixes.
The judge may award a reasonable attorney fee to the prevailing side's lawyer, paid by the losing party, on finding either that the defendant willfully engaged in the practice and unwarrantedly refused to fully resolve the matter, or that the person suing knew or should have known the action was frivolous and malicious.
Sources for this section (3)
- G.S. 75-1.1 — Unfair and deceptive acts and practices
- G.S. 75-16 — Civil action by person injured; treble damages
- G.S. 75-16.1 — Attorney fee
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed North Carolina attorney.