MARVIN MANDEL, Governor

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that consumer protection is one of the major issues which
confront all levels of government, and that there has
been mounting concern over the increase of deceptive
practices in connection with sales of merchandise, REAL
PROPERTY, and services and the extension of credit.

(b) (2) The General Assembly is concerned that
public confidence in merchants offering goods, services,
REALTY, and credit is being undermined, although the
majority of business people operate with integrity and
sincere regard for the consumer.

13-204.

In addition to any other of its powers and duties,
the Division has the powers and duties to:

(9) Undertake activities to encourage business and
industry to maintain high standards of honesty, fair
business practices, and public responsibility in the
production, promotion, and sale OR LEASE OR RENTAL of
consumer goods, CONSUMER REALTY, and consumer services
and in the extension of consumer credit;

13-301.

Unfair or deceptive trade practices include any:

(1)   False, falsely disparaging, or misleading oral
or written statement, visual description, or other
representation of any kind which has the capacity,
tendency, or effect of deceiving or misleading consumers
[and which is made in connection with:

(i) The sale, lease, rental, loan, or
bailment of consumer goods or consumer services;

(ii) The offer for sale, lease, rental, loan
or bailment of consumer goods or services;

(iii) The extension of consumer credit; or

(iv) The collection of consumer debts];

(2)    Representation that:

(i) Consumer goods, CONSUMER REALTY, or
consumer services have a sponsorship, approval,
accessory, characteristic, ingredient, use, benefit, or
quantity which they do not have;

(ii) A merchant has a sponsorship, approval,
status, affiliation, or connection which he does not
have;

(iii) Deteriorated, altered, reconditioned,
reclaimed, or second hand consumer goods are original or
new; or