What is the difference between civil fraud and consumer fraud?

The difference between civil fraud and consumer fraud can be found in the type of victim. Civil fraud involves a violation of a law intended to protect one person from another with the victim of the fraud being a private individual or company. Consumer fraud is intended to protect consumers from unfair or deceptive business practices and the victims are the consumers themselves. In California, civil fraud is a civil offense and is often referred to as a "unfair business practice." California state law has a statute that prohibits any business from using fraudulent, deceptive, or unfair practices while conducting business. These unfair practices include false advertising, misrepresentation, and a failure to disclose important information. Consumer fraud, on the other hand, is a criminal offense which is most often handled by the Federal Trade Commission or by the California Department of Justice. Consumer fraud can take many forms including false advertising, deceptive goods or services, and the sale of damaged goods. Overall, civil fraud is a violation of a law intended to protect one person from another and consumer fraud is a criminal offense that is intended to protect consumers from unfair or deceptive business practices. Both civil fraud and consumer fraud can result in criminal or civil penalties as well as reimbursement for the victim of the fraud.

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What is the difference between civil fraud and consumer fraud?

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