Understanding Consumer Law

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We hope the articles below help you understand your rights as a consumer. You can scroll through the titles, or sort by Practice Area or Topic. You can also use the search feature to locate information by keyword.

Flitter Milz represents people with a variety of problems involving consumer credit and collections. If you have a particular question or believe your consumer rights have been violated, Contact Us for a no cost consultation.

Author: Consumers Law

Robocalls — Are you a Victim?

If your phone rings with spam calls or unwanted text messages, you are not alone. Some calls are just a nuisance. Others may feel like harassment. These calls, commonly referred to as robocalls, are not only stressful and but possibly a violation to your consumer rights.

What is a robocall?

Robocalls are automated calls used by a computerized auto dialer to deliver  a pre-recorded or artificial voice message. Sometimes the call may come from a live person. While some calls or texts, like appointment reminders, are legal with consent, most unsolicited sales robocalls are illegal.

Federal Law:   Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA)
The TCPA limits how companies can call and text you. The law focuses on robocalls, which often are calls that use a recorded or automated voice. It also applies when companies use automatic dialing systems to send out large numbers of calls or texts at once—even if there is a live person calling you.

Whether calls come from telemarketers, debt collectors, or even well-known businesses, if they break the law, they can be held responsible. The TCPA authorizes penalties of $500 to $1500 for each illegal call or text.

Consumers must provide consent for Robocalls

In most cases, companies must obtain your express prior consent, or have an established business relationship, to make automated communications with you. If you did not provide permission to receive these types of calls, they are not allowed to call or text you.  If you have informed the company to stop contacting you, they are to stop calling or texting. If they continue contact, there may be a violation of your consumer rights.

Important Steps to Take

If you are getting unwanted calls or texts, take the following steps:

1)  Tell the caller to stop contacting you.
2)  Save text messages or take screenshots of all contact.
3)  Create a log of all contact showing dates, time of day, name of caller, etc.
4)  Write to the caller and request their contact with you stop.
5)  Do not share personal information with unknown callers.

Seek Qualified Legal Help

Flitter Milz will evaluate robocalls that have been placed to you.  We will review the steps you’ve taken to get the calls to stop and determine how to hold the caller accountable.

CONTACT US:
Toll Free:  888-668-1225
Email:  consumers@consumerslaw.com

Car Repossessions on the Rise

Car repossessions are increasing across the United States. A repossession can happen when a borrower does not satisfy the terms of their loan. The numbers are rising quickly. In 2025, there were approximately 3 million vehicle repossessions across the country. We have not seen levels this high since the Great Recession of 2008 – 2009.

The High Cost of a Car Purchase

The cost of purchasing a car is higher than ever.  Last year, the average price of a new car was more than $50,000, and used cars about $26,000. It has been reported that the average monthly payment for a new car is about $749, where a used car is about $529.

The High Cost of Financing an Auto Loan

Interest rates on car loans also remain high. Recent data shows average interest rates of about 6.5% for new vehicles and around 10–11% for used vehicles. At Flitter Milz, we hear from clients with used car finance rates of up to 20% and higher. Higher interest rates make monthly payments more expensive, especially for borrowers with lower credit scores – sometimes called “subprime loans.”

Behind on Auto Loan Payments

When borrowers fall behind on payments lenders may repossess the vehicle within 60 to 120 days after a payment has been missed. For subprime lenders or “buy-here-pay-here” loans, repossessions could occur within 30 days or less after the first missed payment. In most cases, there is no requirement for the lender to notify the borrower in the advance of a repossession.

Steps to Take Before the Repossession

1) Gather all documents from the sale
and finance of the vehicle.
2) Keep all documents in a safe place –NOT IN THE VEHICLE.
3) Take photos of the interior and exterior of the vehicle, to document the condition of the vehicle.
4) Take a photo of the odometer reading.

After the Repossession

Once a repossession has occurred, the lender is required to send a letter through the mail which confirms the repossession took place.  The letter, frequently called a NOTICE OF INTENT TO SELL PROPERTY, will detail steps for the borrower to retrieve the vehicle.

If the borrower is not able to get the vehicle back, the lender may take steps to sell the vehicle at a private sale or auction. Once the vehicle is sold, the lender will send a second letter to the borrower confirming the sale price and show the calculation of any remaining balance owed to satisfy the loan.

NOTE:  Do not discard any letters or notices, including mailing envelopes, emails or texts, received from the lender after repossession.  These documents are important for a legal evaluation.

Qualified Legal Help After Repossession

Flitter Milz has represented many consumers across the country who have fallen victim to car repossession. If your vehicle was repossessed, gather all documents related to the vehicle purchase, financing and repossession and forward them to our office for a legal review. There is no cost for the consultation.
Contact Us:  Toll Free:  888-668-1225   Email:  consumers@consumerslaw.com

Authorized vs. Unauthorized Electronic Payments: Why the Difference Matters

Electronic payments are part of everyday life. Using a debit card, withdrawing cash from an ATM, paying bills automatically, sending money through a payment app, or receiving your direct deposit all involve moving money electronically into or out your bank account. These payments transact very quickly and often without a paper record. Correcting the errors can be very challenging and time consuming.

When banks fail to properly handle disputed transactions, or withhold funds in bad faith, consumers may be able to pursue a lawsuit against the bank. Do not assume the bank’s denial of your request for refund or refusal to correct an error is final. You have rights.

What is an Electronic Transfer?

Legally, an “electronic transfer” is considered one where money is moved between accounts using computer-based systems that rely on secure networks to send electronic instructions between financial institutions. Transactions initiated by check or telephone are not considered electronic transfers.

What is an Authorized Transaction?

Authorized transactions are ones that have been initiated or approved by the consumer, even if the purchase is regretted later or the consumer believes he or she was misled. Frequently, banks deny reimbursement and claim the payment was authorized. For example, when a consumer provides a debit card number and account security codes to a merchant for a subscription or product, and funds are transferred through a payment app, banks often regard those payments as authorized.

What is an Unauthorized Electronic Payment?

An “unauthorized” electronic payment is one that was not approved, not expected, and where no benefit was received by the consumer. Often this occurs when a debit card is stolen, account information is compromised, or someone gains access to online banking accounts without the consumer’s knowledge.

The difference between authorized and unauthorized fund transfers is not always clear. Sometimes the consumer may be a victim of identity theft.  Unauthorized transactions may occur once account credentials are stolen. As well, access to accounts for withdrawal or transfer may become limited.  Consumers have legal recourse when banks limit or freeze access to accounts in error.

Review Account Statements for Accuracy

Consumers must review bank statements regularly for accuracy and evaluate whether any listed transactions are erroneous. If a transaction was made without permission, there are two questions: Who is responsible for the error? Should the bank return the funds, or is the consumer left responsible for the loss?

5 Steps to Correct Unauthorized Transactions

Speed matters. Consumers may have strong protections to unauthorized transactions, however, it is mandatory that consumers review bank statements for accuracy. If a merchant or transaction amount is unfamiliar or incorrect, promptly take these steps.

1) Send a WRITTEN dispute within 60 days via Certified Mail of a transaction appearing on the billing statement.
2) Clearly state the issue and provide details related to date, errors, and steps
you would like the bank to take.
3) Enclose a copy of the billing statement with the disputed item highlighted.
4) Attach supporting documents which illustrate the error, such as:
-Records showing your location elsewhere (i.e. parking receipts, flight tickets,
geolocated photos, etc.);
-Proof that your card was in your possession; or
-Written or dated communication with the merchant showing you did not
authorize the purchase.
5) Request a written reply with confirmation that the dispute was addressed.

Once the bank receives the written dispute, they may provisionally credit your account for the amount of the erroneous transfer. However, they will follow procedures for investigation of the issue. A determination will be made of whether the transaction was actually approved by you. A written reply will be sent identifying the next actions.

Seek Qualified Legal Help

Flitter Milz attorneys evaluate matters where consumers identify suspicious electronic funds transferred from bank accounts. Contact us for a no cost consultation to determine whether the consumer protection laws have been violated.  Toll Free:   888-668-1225

 

Attorneys (l-r): Andy Milz, Ed Flitter, Cary Flitter, Jody López-Jacobs

Debit Card Fraud vs. Credit Card Fraud: Why the Law Treats Them Differently

Imagine checking your bank account or credit card statement one morning and seeing money missing or charges listed that you did not incur. Most often, this is how people discover they are victims of fraud. What happens next depends largely on whether the fraud was done with a debit card or a credit card. Even though the cards look similar, the law treats them very differently.

Debit Card Fraud

A debit card is directly connected to your bank account. When a thief makes an unauthorized transfer with your debit card, the money usually comes straight out of your bank account. This can cause immediate problems such as bounced checks or missed payments—especially for accounts that are set up with automatic or scheduled payments such as rent, mortgage, or other bills. As well, charges for everyday expenses like groceries or gas, may be rejected as the actual amount of cash available is lower than expected.

The fraudulent transfer of funds through a debit card are funds that come directly from your account…in other words, your hard-earned money. Getting funds taken fraudulently from your account can be difficult to recover even though bank policies may offer some protection.  It is most important to report the fraud immediately.

Credit Card Fraud

Credit cards work differently. Charges made to a credit card are paid or  “advanced” by the credit card company.  The consumer receives a statement at the end of the billing period and reviews all listed charges for accuracy.

Should there be an unauthorized charge or error on a statement, a written dispute must be sent to the credit card company within 60 days. Upon receipt of your letter, the credit card company will place the erroneous charge in a “DISPUTE” status. An investigation of the claim will begin. Often, consumers find it beneficial to discontinue use of that credit card until the dispute is resolved.

The law limits a consumer’s responsibility for credit card fraud to $50. This means the consumer may only be responsible for the first $50 of the disputed charge, even if the total charge is more.

Promptly Report Unauthorized Charges or Errors

Unauthorized charges are when funds are transferred to an account, or charged to an account, by someone other than yourself, without your permission, and without any benefit to you.

Prompt reporting of unauthorized or suspicious transactions is critical. There may be legal protections for the consumer when the fraud is reported right away. Waiting too long can limit your legal rights or possibly make you responsible for unauthorized charges or stolen funds.

Steps to Take

Once the fraud is discovered it is important to send a written dispute to the bank or credit card company that is sent through the mail. The dispute letter should include:

– Factual Statement of fraud and/or error including dates, account numbers, etc.
– Copy of the account statement highlighting disputed item.
– Supporting documents to illustrate the fraud/claim.
– Request a date for written reply to your dispute.

All dispute correspondence should be sent by a traceable means, such as Certified Mail – Return Receipt, so that you know when your letter was received.

Seek Qualified Legal Help

Unfortunately, banks and credit card companies don’t always follow the law. Sometimes refunds are delayed, claims are denied without a proper investigation, or consumers are blamed for a fraud they did not commit. Consumer protection laws exist to prevent this kind of unfair treatment. You may have legal rights if your bank or credit card issuer fails to protect you after fraud.

Flitter Milz attorneys help people enforce those rights and hold financial institutions accountable. Importantly, consumer protection laws make the bad guy pay our bill—not you.

If you believe your rights were violated, do not handle it alone. Contact us for a free evaluation of your case.
Toll Free: 610-CONSUMERS     Email:  Consumers@consumerslaw.com

What You Should Know About the Use of E-Signatures

Electronic signatures—or e-signatures—are everywhere. We click “Agree” or type our name on a device to open bank accounts, purchase vehicles, rent apartments, or accept online terms. Before you sign electronically, here’s what to know.

Are E-Signatures as binding as an actual “Wet Ink” Signature? Not Always!

An e-signature can be as valid as a handwritten one, but only if certain rules are met. Businesses must get your consent to use electronic records. As well, they must prove you can open and read them.  Often a test file is sent to the consumer to confirm receipt. The business must also inform the consumer of the following:

1. The option to receive paper copies
2. The option to withdraw consent at anytime, and explain how to do it.
3. Whether consent applies to one deal or all future ones.
4. How to update contact information.
5. The type of device or software is needed to receive communications.

These safeguards exist so that consumers are not tricked into signing documents that may be difficult to see online or save. 

What is an “E-Signature”?     

The term “e-signature” is more than a digital image of your written signature. The law defines “electronic signature” broadly. It is any sound, symbol, or process used to show intent to sign a document. E-signatures can be:

      • Typing your name at the end of an email
      • Clicking an “I agree” button
      • Uploading an image of your handwritten signature
      • Saying “yes” in a recorded call.

The key is intent—you must intend to sign the electronic contract that your signature is applied to. But some companies may forge or copy and paste e-signatures to contracts that were never approved by the consumer. Forging an e-signature is illegal, just like forging a signature in ink on paper.

What “Metadata” Reveals

When you sign electronically, the system stores “metadata”, or hidden information that proves authenticity of the electronic document. Metadata
can show:

  • Personal information: name, email or IP address
  • Time and place: exact date, time and location when a signature was applied
  • Device details: the computer, phone, tablet, or other device used to apply the signature
  • Security codes: Digital ID that shows the file was not changed.

Metadata can even show whether a signature was forged—like proving it came from a location you had never been or device you never used.

Are ink signatures on paper documents still required? 

While e-signatures are legal on many documents, some notices, such as those listed below, are required to be delivered in paper form and signed in ink.  This is to insure that the person is fully informed and in agreement with the document.

      • Car repossession or mortgage foreclosure notices
      • Utility, insurance, or benefit cancellations
      • Eviction notices
      • Lawsuits
      • Product recalls or safety warnings
      • Documents involving hazardous materials

The Bottom Line

Be cautious.

E-signatures are fast and convenient. Used correctly, they are safe and legally binding. However, salespeople are trained to guide consumers in the purchase process and make them feel comfortable to get an e-signature on the documents they need.

Do your due diligence BEFORE e-signing
1) Take time to read all documents that are signed.
2) Get all questions answered.
3) Do not feel pressured to sign.
4) Request a paper copy of all documents showing your e-signature.
5) Maintain a complete file with all documents, handwritten notes, emails, text and phone messages.

Seek help from a qualified consumer law firm

Was your e-signature forged on a document? Were you tricked into an agreement?
Contact us.
Flitter Milz has helped many consumers across the country hold companies accountable for electronic forgery and deceptive practices in the use of
e-signatures.

For a no cost legal evaluation.
Phone:   888-668-1225
Email:    consumers@consumerslaw.com

The Hidden Risks of E-Signatures

Paperless Contracts can be a playground for fraud

 

E-signatures and paperless contracts have made life faster and easier. In the past, signing a contract meant printing it, signing by hand, mailing it, or meeting in person. Now, with just a few clicks, you can sign from your phone or laptop anywhere in the world. But this speed and convenience come with a dark side. The emergence of digital contracts has created new opportunities for fraud, and in some cases, it’s harder to spot and prove than with old-fashioned pen-and-paper agreements.

Why Fraudsters Love E-Signatures

E-signatures are legally valid in most places, which means they carry the same weight as a handwritten signature. The problem is that many e-signature platforms don’t do much to confirm someone’s identity before they sign. If a crooked salesman gets into your email or other online accounts, they may be able to sign contracts in your name without you knowing. Unlike a physical signature, there’s no handwriting to compare, so proving you didn’t sign can be very difficult.

Identity Theft Has Gone Digital

In the past, stealing someone’s identity often meant forging papers or pretending to be them in person. Now, thieves can buy stolen personal details online and use them to open accounts, take out loans, or make purchases—all without leaving their computer. These fake agreements can be created and signed in minutes. Many victims don’t even find out until they get a bill or a notice from a company they’ve never dealt with.

Forgery in the Digital Age

With handwritten signatures, experts can look for clues—like pen pressure, writing style, and unique letter shapes—to spot a forgery. But with e-signatures, there’s nothing physical to examine. Many systems let you “draw” a signature with a mouse or finger, but a scammer can copy yours from another document or even generate one that looks close enough.

Some platforms also allow typed signatures in a chosen font, which means anyone with your name can create a “signature” that looks official. This makes it easy for someone to forge your approval on contracts, loans, or property transfers without you ever knowing until it’s too late. Once it’s in the system, undoing the damage can take months—or even years—of legal battles.

How to Protect Yourself

When signing electronically, we recommend that you add the date immediately next to your signature. For example, this might look like “John Doe  8/15/2025.” Even if there is a separate space or line for the date, you reduce the risk of loss from a stolen signature by placing the date immediately next to your signature every time.

 

Signing Multiple Documents

If you are signing multiple documents but are asked to place your signature in a little box detached from the document, state an abbreviation of the document right next to your signature.  For example, when buying a car, sign the odometer disclosure as “John Doe 8/15/2025 – Odometer.” Then sign the loan agreement “John Doe 8/15/2025 – Loan Agr.”  This makes it more difficult for a crooked car dealer or merchant to affix your name to something you never signed.

Treat e-signatures like you would any serious financial transaction. Watch for red flags: bills or debt notices for accounts you didn’t open, unfamiliar charges, “confirmation” emails for contracts you don’t recognize, denied credit without reason, or sudden transfers of property. If you believe your identity has been stolen, take these steps.

Seek help from a Qualified Consumer Lawyer

If you see any of these signs—or even suspect something is wrong—act fast. Contact our law firm immediately.

Our attorneys will investigate your concern and evaluate how to undo the damage before it gets worse.  We are here to protect your consumer rights.

Call:  888-668-1225
Email:  consumers@consumerslaw.com

Borrowers have rights after vehicle repossession

CARS       TRUCKS       MOTORCYCLES       BOATS       RVs

Flitter Milz is the authority in representing victims of wrongful repossessions by banks, credit unions, financial institutions and their repossession agents.

Borrowers understand that their vehicles can be repossessed if there’s been a default, such as missed or late payments, a lapse in auto insurance, or other cause. However, lenders must follow the law when a vehicle is repossessed.

Whether you missed payments on your auto loan or not, your consumer rights may have been violated. Our firm will evaluate the repossession of your vehicle at no cost.

After repossession, ask yourself these questions:

Did the repo agent act abusively or damage property?
Repo agents can’t threaten or use physical force to take your vehicle, or enter your fenced property without your permission.

 

 

Did the police come and assist the repo agent with the repossession?
The police may be contacted by the repo agent or borrower during a vehicle repossession. Upon arrival at the scene, they are to keep the peace only, or to protect everyone from harm.

 

Did you receive proper notices from your lender after the repossession?
After repossession, the lender is required to send a Repossession Notice which states terms to get the vehicle back and timeframes for the borrower to act.

 

Was your vehicle repossessed within the past six years?

Each state has a different statute of limitations on car repossession debt.  After the statute of limitations has passed on your debt, debtors and collectors can still contact you.  However, they can no longer bring, or threaten to bring, legal action in an effort to collect the debt.

 

Collection of the deficient balance owed on your auto loan?
A Deficiency letter will be sent to the borrower after the vehicle is sold.  This letter shows a calculation of any remaining balance owed to satisfy the loan. The lender may assign collection of this balance to a debt collector.

 

Did the lender file a lawsuit to collect the deficient balance?
The lender may choose to file a lawsuit to collect the deficient balance owed on an auto loan.

 

 

Credit Reporting Auto Loans
After a vehicle repossession, the borrower should obtain current copies of his or her credit reports from Transunion, Experian and Equifax to view accuracy of information related to the repossession. Incorrect information may have an impact on approval for new credit applications.

 

Contact Experienced Consumer Lawyers

Flitter Milz attorneys know repossession law and can protect borrowers from illegal tactics used by banks, credit unions and financial institutions.  We  represent consumers in cases without filing bankruptcy.

 

Contact Us for a no cost legal evaluation of your car, truck, motorcycle, boat or RV.
Phone:  888-668-1225      Email:  consumers@consumerslaw.com

 

 

 

The Danger of Arbitration — Preserve your Constitutional Rights

The United States Constitution guarantees you the right to litigate your case in the courts and the right to a jury trial.  Signing an Arbitration Agreement waives these rights.

 

Don’t Sign Away Your Constitutional Rights!

Consumers may encounter arbitration agreements when purchasing goods or services in various sectors, including banking, credit cards, financial services, home building, insurance and telecommunications.

When financing a vehicle or home improvement, entering a cell phone contract, opening a new bank account or obtaining approval for a credit card, consumers must look to see if there is an arbitration agreement as part of the contract.  It may appear within the written contract, be buried in the fine print or terms and conditions, or possibly in the “Click” of an online agreement.

Businesses favor arbitration

Many consumer-facing companies have trended towards including an arbitration clause in their contracts. This “forced arbitration” is a form of resolving disputes outside of the courts.  Instead of being able to go to trial before a judge and jury, cases are presented to an arbitrator who decides the case.

Consumers will be told that arbitration is a favorable term and that should a dispute and litigation be necessary, it would be faster and cheaper to litigate. Cheap litigation only favors the company—NOT YOU.

 

Avoid being stuck in arbitration.

(1) Do Not sign an Arbitration Agreement
If possible, do not sign an arbitration agreement when signing a contract. Sometimes an arbitration agreement is a stand-alone contract that you are not required to sign. If you are presented with an arbitration agreement, ask whether it is required. Do not agree to arbitration if possible.

(2) Read the Arbitration Agreement
Carefully read the language in the arbitration agreement. Sometimes the agreement will allow you to opt out of arbitration by submitting a request within a given time period. If the agreement permits you to do that, DO THAT! Opt-out clauses are often found in credit card agreements. Once an optout deadline passes, it’s too late.

(3) Negotiate the Arbitration Clause
Negotiate out the arbitration clause in your contract. If you have leverage (like at a car dealership), demand to remove or modify the arbitration clause.

(4) Strike the arbitration clause on the contract and initial the change.
Often many contracts are provided and executed electronically, making on-the-spot changes to a contract difficult or impossible. But if your contract is on paper, strike out the arbitration clause and initial your change. Make it clear that you did not agree to arbitration when you signed the contract, and that you only agreed to the remaining terms.

Seek Help from Experienced  Consumer Lawyers 

Flitter Milz has litigated the enforceability of arbitration agreements countless times. Send your contract for a no-cost legal review. Our attorneys will determine whether your arbitration clause is binding.

You should not have to give up your Constitutional right to trial by jury. 

Call Toll Free: 888-668-1225
Email: consumers@consumerslaw.com

Solar Fraud Attorney Andy Milz Appears on NPR News

August 13, 2024, NPR News — Ari Shapiro, Host, All Things Considered and Jeff Brady,  Correspondent, NPR Climate Desk

Andy Milz of Flitter Milz, a nationally recognized expert in solar panel finance fraud, was recently interviewed by NPR News for a nationally-aired report concluding — Rooftop solar has a fraud problem. Andy offers advice for avoiding sales fraud when considering solar panels for your home.

Click the link to listen to the program or read the program transcript below.  https://www.npr.org/2024/08/13/nx-s1-4926495/thinking-about-solar-here-are-some-things-to-consider

NPR Transcript: “Thinking about solar?  Here are some things to consider”

ARI SHAPIRO, HOST: Just the other day, I got a piece of mail telling me, your property qualifies for free solar panels. It had a photo of my house and everything – kind of creepy. This is a sign of something happening all over the country. Solar power is booming, and that helps meet the country’s climate goals. At the same time, customer complaints are also growing about the part of the industry that installs solar panels on homes. NPR’s Jeff Brady has spent the last few months looking into this. And, Jeff, what’s the big lesson that you’ve learned from your reporting?

JEFF BRADY, BYLINE: You know, the really big concern here is high-pressure sales. Not all companies use them, but if you’re thinking about solar power, you’re going to need to be prepared for that. And the example of this that really sticks with me is a 91-year-old man, Emanuel Minto. He immigrated from Jamaica. He retired as a machinist and paid off his house in northeast Philadelphia. When I visited him in his tidy front yard, Minto’s lawyer was there to meet me.

ANDY MILZ: Mr. Minto, Jeff Brady from NPR News.

BRADY: Hi – nice to meet you.

EMANUEL MINTO: Sir.

BRADY: A year and a half ago, Minto says, a door-to-door salesman approached him, offering a government program to help senior citizens save on their electric bills.

MINTO: So I said, well, that would be good.

BRADY: But there was no such program. Minto has solar panels, but a lawsuit claims the salesman created an email address for him and forged his name on an electronic contract for a 25-year loan for the installation. Now Minto also has a lien on his house.

That salesman worked for GraySquare Solar. Owner Tim Koontz disputes many of the facts in the case, though he confirms the salesman created an email address for Minto. Koontz says there are safeguards to prevent what Minto claims and accuses the elderly Minto of scamming him.

TIM KOONTZ: I feel like I’m the one being defrauded. I feel like this is a hustle to try and get money.

BRADY: Minto’s attorney, Andy Milz, says GraySquare didn’t even respond to the lawsuit, and a default was entered against it. Milz specializes in solar fraud and says many door-to-door salespeople carry an iPad with electronic contracts. He says, be careful because some dishonest salespeople have taken electronic initials and signatures and copied and pasted them to other contracts.

MILZ: Don’t be bullied into touching their device, whether it be an iPad or a cellular phone. Take the time to review the documents in the comfort of your own home.

BRADY: Milz says you can request a paper contract, and reputable solar salespeople won’t have a problem with this. Another person I talked with is Tiffani Krieg of Mesa, Ariz. She put off for a couple of months a salesperson who calls herself Solar Sandy. Then one evening, Krieg’s family was in their driveway, headed out to see a movie.

TIFFANI KRIEG: My husband looks at the rearview, and he’s like, oh, Sandy’s here. I’m like, Sandy? And she’s got her Range Rover parked, like, you know, making a T so we can’t get out of our driveway. So she jumps in the backseat, like, with the kids.

BRADY: Krieg says Sandy said to secure a low interest rate, the family had to act now. Consumer advocates say creating urgency is a common sales tactic, and you should never feel pressured to make a decision about such a big purchase. I talked with Solar Sandy, whose name is Sandra Cordero. She didn’t want to do a recorded interview. She disputes some of Krieg’s story and confirms a lot of it. Cordero says she didn’t do anything wrong and has hundreds of satisfied customers.

SHAPIRO: Reporting there from NPR’s Jeff Brady, who is still with us. Jeff, you are making me think I should not respond to that flyer I got in the mail. But what should a person do who might be interested in going solar but doesn’t want to get scammed? How do you find the salespeople who aren’t going to use high-pressure tactics?

BRADY: Well, you probably want to avoid the solar companies that find you, either, you know, at your front door or maybe at a local big-box store. They’re more likely to practice these high-pressure sales tactics. And some of these companies only do sales. A different company will actually install the panels. And the experts I talked with say it’s better to work directly with an installation company. They suggest you find someone that’s been in business in your community for years. A lot of these installers, they, you know, survive on word-of-mouth advertising. So you can ask neighbors and friends, people who already have solar panels, for recommendations.

SHAPIRO: If people aren’t getting government subsidies, these solar panels can be really expensive. What’s the best advice for people who are going to pay for this?

BRADY: Sure. Most people can’t afford to put out 20 or $30,000 for solar panels. So about 85% of these systems are financed. You need to get at least three quotes and ask each company to give you quotes for financing and for paying cash. You want to compare those numbers because some companies include hidden fees in the cost of a system just so they can offer a cheap interest rate. And these fees, they’re significant. The solar marketing firm EnergySage says fees for the most popular loan averaged 47% for the last half of 2023.

SHAPIRO: Wow.

BRADY: Yeah, that adds thousands of dollars in cost, even if the interest rate you get is relatively low, so you may be better off finding financing on your own.

SHAPIRO: But there are federal tax credits to help pay for solar panels, right? How do those work?

BRADY: Yeah, the federal government offers a 30% tax credit, and some states have incentives on top of that. But one thing about tax credits – you need to owe taxes to take advantage of them, and not all salespeople will tell you that. Cameron Holly in the Dallas area learned this. He expected a check from the IRS for about $14,000, but his family didn’t owe that much in taxes, so he only got back about 2,500.

CAMERON HOLLY: Honestly, I do feel deceived, you know, because the way it was always worded in our conversations with the salespeople was that we would get this tax credit on our next filing.

BRADY: And Holly says he planned to use that money to pay off credit cards and take a family vacation. So the best advice is, you know, talk with the tax person rather than a salesperson about these tax credits.

SHAPIRO: And what if someone listens to this and decides solar is not right for them, or they live in a rental and can’t install solar? What then?

BRADY: Yeah, solar is not right for a lot of us. My house is surrounded by big trees that shade the roof, so solar won’t work here. You know, if helping climate change and saving money are your goals, you can try using less energy, and if the options out there today aren’t right for you, they might be next year, so keep checking in. The energy world is changing fast right now.

SHAPIRO: That’s Jeff Brady of NPR’s climate desk. Thank you.

BRADY: Thank you.

Seek Qualified Legal Help

Pictured: Attorneys Cary Flitter (center), Andy Milz (left), Jody López-Jacobs (right)

Flitter Milz attorneys have helped hundreds of families who have been victimized by shady solar sales.  If you have been defrauded in a solar sale, we may be able to help.  Hidden contracts, forged signatures, illicit credit inquiries, suspicious email accounts, elder exploitation, and other bad acts can give rise for a case under the consumer protection laws.  Contact us! 

Don’t get scammed on Solar Panels: 4 Financial Red Flags

“Don’t get scammed on solar panels: 4 Financial Red Flags”
March 12, 2024  CNET

Some common traps could leave you stuck with a bad deal for decades when entering a contract for solar panels. Nationally recognized consumer protection attorney Andy Milz of Flitter Milz in Narberth, PA, was interviewed recently on CNET for an article and offered 4 Financial Red Flags to potential solar panel customers.

Red Flag #1.
Demand to see contract documents BEFORE signing.

Frequently solar customers never get the chance to review a solar financing contract before signing or whose signatures were forged without their knowledge.  It can be easy for these things to happen when a solar sales person is seated at your dining room table, quickly tapping through terms on an iPad.  “Solar customers are entitled to see a contract and take the time to review it.  This ensures that the customer can read all the fine print, understand the payment terms, and avoid any financial surprises later,” says Milz.

Red Flag #2.
Talk to a tax professional about any promised tax incentives.

There are a lot of federal and state-level financial incentives for solar panels right now, promising thousands of dollars off the price of a solar system.  But homeowners are eligible for those only if they’re buying (i.e. owning) the panels.  “That’s something that’s confusing to the average consumer,” said Milz.  If you’re leasing or getting panels through a power-purchase agreement, you won’t benefit from the incentives, so be wary of any solar installer who tells you otherwise.

Red Flag #3.
Beware of an arbitration clause in the loan or lease agreement

Many solar financing or lease contracts contain something called an “arbitration clause,” according to Milz.  “When you sign this, you as the customer essentially give up your right to go to court in the event that the solar company rips you off.  Any claims you make will instead be subject to a private “arbitration” system that usually benefits the solar company.”

It may not always be possible to avoid having this in your contract, but you should at least be aware of what you’re getting yourself into.

Red Flag #4.
Watch out for ‘Teaser Rates’

A common tactic by solar companies is to attract customers with a ‘teaser rate’ which promises low upfront payments that increase, sometimes drastically, over time.  In some cases, the installer is assuming you’ll receive a chunk of money from a government incentive and put that toward the payment of your panels, otherwise the monthly payments will jack up.  “Folks are often caught off guard by that, ” says Milz.

Escalator clauses, which gradually increase your payment by a small percentage each year, are quite common, but again you’ll want to be aware of what you’re getting into.

Most Important Tip: Slow Down!

Do your own research and comparison shop.  There is no rush.  The deal the salesman proposes today will still be there next week.

Seek Qualified Legal Help

Pictured: Attorneys Cary Flitter (center), Andy Milz (left), Jody López-Jacobs (right)

Flitter Milz attorneys have helped hundreds of families who have been victimized by shady solar sales.  If you have been defrauded in a solar sale, we may be able to help.  Hidden contracts, forged signatures, illicit credit inquiries, suspicious email accounts, elder exploitation, and other bad acts can give rise for a case under the consumer protection laws.  Contact us!