Violation of Consumer Protection Procedures Act
The District of Columbia Consumer Protection Procedures Act (“CPPA”) makes it unlawful for a merchant to engage in any “unfair or deceptive trade practice” when dealing with a consumer, including a long list of practices specified in the statute such as making a misrepresentation “as to a material fact which has a tendency to mislead” or failing “to state a material fact if such failure tends to mislead.” A person (typically a consumer) may establish a claim under the CPPA regardless of whether “any consumer is in fact misled, deceived, or damaged” as a result of the violation.
A person establishing a claim under the CPPA may recover treble damages or statutory damages of $1,500 per violation (whichever is larger) plus attorney’s fees and expenses. Punitive damages may also be available under some circumstances.
A claim for a violation of the CPPA generally must be brought within three years of the date on which the claim accrues.
For information about other civil claims recognized in the District of Columbia, click here. For information about how to use this guide, click here.
[Sources: District of Columbia Consumer Protection Procedures Act, D.C. Code §§ 28-3901 to -3913.]