3999

ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY

(6) "MERCHANDISE" MEANS REAL ESTATE AND ANY
CHATTELS, PERSONAL OR REAL, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO
GOODS, PARTS, MATERIALS AND REAL ESTATE LEASES.

SECTION 1-902

THE FOLLOWING BUSINESS OR MERCHANDISING PRACTICES
ARE HEREBY DECLARED TO BE UNLAWFUL:

(1)    THE USE OF DECEPTION, FRAUD,      FALSE PROMISE,
MATERIAL CONCEALMENT, SUPPRESSION OR     OMISSION OF A
MATERIAL FACT FOR THE PURPOSE OF SELLING     OR BUYING ANY
MERCHANDISE OR SERVICE OF ANY NATURE.

(2)    UNREASONABLE DETENTION OF PROPERTY.

(3)    COLLECTION PRACTICES WHICH HARASS A DEBTOR,
AND WHICH ARE BEYOND THE USUAL AND ACCEPTED BUSINESS
PROCEDURES.

(4)    ARBITRARY REFUSAL OR TERMINATION OF CREDIT
WITHOUT EXPLANATION.

(5)    REFUSAL TO HONOR AN EXPRESS WARRANTY TO REPAIR
MERCHANDISE.

SECTION 1-90 3

THE BOARD OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS SHALL HAVE THE
FOLLOWING POWERS, DUTIES AND FUNCTIONS:

(1)    TO RECEIVE AND INVESTIGATE COMPLAINTS
CONCERNING VIOLATIONS OF THIS SUBTITLE.

(2)    TO INITIATE INVESTIGATIONS OF ALLEGED FRAUDS
AND UNFAIR BUSINESS PRACTICES.

(3)    TO ISSUE SUBPOENAS TO COMPEL THE ATTENDANCE OF
WITNESSES AND THE PRODUCTION OF DOCUMENTS, PAPERS, BOOKS,
RECORDS AND OTHER EVIDENCE IN ANY MATTER OVER WHICH THIS
ORDINANCE APPLIES; TO ADMINISTER OATHS OR AFFIRMATIONS TO
ANY PERSON WHOSE TESTIMONY IS REQUIRED; TO INTERROGATE
WITNESSES, TO INSPECT PREMISES, TO REQUIRE WRITTEN
ANSWERS TO QUESTIONNAIRES; TO REQUIRE PERIODICAL WRITTEN
REPORTS AND THE FILING OF STATEMENTS.

(4)    TO REPORT TO APPROPRIATE LAW ENFORCEMENT
AGENCIES ANY INFORMATION CONCERNING VIOLATIONS OF ANY
CONSUMER PROTECTION LAWS.

(5)    TO COOPERATE WITH ANY AND ALL GOVERNMENTAL
AGENCIES FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROTECTING AND ENCOURAGING
ETHICAL BUSINESS PRACTICES, AND PROTECTING THE CONSUMER.