Skip to Main Content
my account

Consumer Protection

This guide provides an overview of important Texas and federal laws designed to protect consumers from deceptive trade practices.

General Information


About this Guide

"Consumer protection" is a very broad area of law that can touch all aspects of a person's life. This introductory page will provide general information about Texas's multi-purpose consumer protection law called the Deceptive Trade Practices Act. The other pages in this guide will talk about specific topics under the broad umbrella of "consumer protection" such as warranties, debt collection, credit reports, and more.

Texas Law

The general consumer protection law in Texas is located in Chapter 17 of the Texas Business and Commerce Code and is titled "Deceptive Trade Practices." It is very broad and applies to many types of situations. Generally speaking, it prohibits people and businesses from using misleading or dishonest actions or statements in the course of doing business or making a sale.

Who Can I Contact?

There are several state agencies, federal agencies, and non-profit private organizations that accept complaints about consumer topics.

Government Agencies

Non-profit Organizations

E-Books from the Texas State Law Library

Many of the e-books available through the State Law Library contain forms or drafting guides. In order to access these titles, you will need to register for a free library account.

Our librarians recommend: