Opinion ID: 2383777
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: The Consumer Protection Division

Text: The Consumer Protection Division is entrusted with broad powers to enforce and interpret the Consumer Protection Act, Md. Code (1975, 2000 Repl. Vol), § 13-101 et seq. of the Commercial Law II Article. Consumer Protection Division v. Consumer Pub'l Co., 304 Md. 731, 745, 501 A.2d 48, 55 (1985). In adopting the Act, the General Assembly concluded that it should take strong protective and preventive steps to investigate unlawful consumer practices, to assist the public in obtaining relief from these practices, and to prevent these practices from occurring in Maryland. It is the purpose of this title to accomplish these ends and thereby maintain the health and welfare of the citizens of the State. CL § 13-102(b)(3). The General Assembly further provided that the Act should be construed and applied liberally to promote its purpose. CL § 13-105. We summarized the statutory powers of the Division in Consumer Publishing: The statutory powers of the Division include the power to receive and investigate consumer complaints, initiate its own investigation of any possibly unfair and deceptive trade practices, issue cease and desist orders, adopt rules and regulations which further define unfair or deceptive trade practices or otherwise effectuate the purposes of the Act, and seek a temporary or permanent injunction in a civil enforcement proceeding. §§ 13-204 and 13-403(c)(2). The statute further provides that the Division may exercise and perform any other function, power and duty appropriate to protect and promote the welfare of consumers. § 13-204(11). Consumer Publishing, 304 Md. at 745, 501 A.2d at 55. The cease and desist provision of the statute is found at CL § 13-403(b)(1). It provides: If, at the conclusion of the hearing, the Division determines on the preponderance of evidence that the alleged violator violated this title, the Division shall state its findings and issue an order requiring the violator to cease and desist from the violation and to take affirmative action, including the restitution of money or property. The order shall contain a notice which states that if the Division determines that the violator has not corrected the violation and complied with the order within 30 days following service of the order, the Division shall proceed with enforcement pursuant to this title. CL § 13-403(c)(2) provides: To obtain compliance with its order, the Division may institute a civil proceeding, including a proceeding which seeks a restraining order and a temporary or permanent injunction. CL § 13-406 provides: (a) The Attorney General may seek an injunction to prohibit a person who has engaged or is engaging in a violation of this title from continuing or engaging in the violation. (b) The Attorney General shall serve notice of the general relief sought on the alleged violator at least seven days before the action for an injunction is filed. (c) The court may enter any order of judgment necessary to: (1) Prevent the use by a person of any prohibited practice; (2) Restore to a person any money or real or personal property acquired from him by means of any prohibited practice; or (3) Appoint a receiver in case of wilful violation of this title.