Scams & Consumer Issues in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania's UTPCPL (73 P.S. Section 201-1 et seq.) provides a private right of action under 73 P.S. Section 201-9.2. Consumers may recover actual damages and up to three times actual damages for intentional misrepresentation plus attorney fees. A key feature: under the 2022 Commonwealth Court decision in Gregg v. Ameriprise, courts have addressed the "justifiable reliance" element — plaintiffs must show they justifiably relied on the deceptive conduct. The statute of limitations is six years under 42 Pa.C.S. Section 5527(b). The Pennsylvania AG is an active consumer protection enforcer and may seek civil penalties, injunctions, and restitution. Pennsylvania's Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act (HICPA, 73 P.S. Section 517.1 et seq.) requires contractors performing home improvement work to register with the Office of Attorney General, requires written contracts for work over $500, and provides specific disclosure rights.