Consumer protection refers to the laws designed to aid retail consumers of goods and services that have been improperly manufactured, delivered, performed, handled, or described. Such laws provide the retail consumer with additional protections and remedies not generally provided to merchants and others who engage in business transactions, on the premise that the consumers do not enjoy a sufficient bargaining position with respect to the businessmen with whom they deal and therefore should not be strictly limited by the legal rules that govern recovery for damages among businessmen. The overarching goal is to protect individuals and the interest of the public in general from unfair and misleading activity in business and commerce (such as false advertising and deceptive trade practices) and scams perpetrated by criminals (such as identity theft and pyramid schemes) that harm a substantial number of consumers.
Brevard is a town in Transylvania County, North Carolina, United States. The 2005 population estimate by the United States Census Bureau was 6,643. It is the county seat of Transylvania County. Brevard is located at the entrance to Pisgah National Forest and has become a noted tourism, retirement and cultural center in western North Carolina. A moderate climate, environmental beauty and cultural activities attract relocators to the area. Brevard is the home of Brevard College a four-year liberal arts institution with nationally-recognized programs in music and environmental studies. The town also is home to Brevard Music Center, one of the nation's preeminent summer music teaching and performance institutions. Brevard also boasts an extensive local music and arts community. The city is nicknamed "The Land of Waterfalls" due to the many waterfalls in the area, including Looking Glass Falls, Connestee Falls, and Sliding Rock. The Mayor of Brevard is Jimmy Harris. To date he is the youngest Brevard Mayor to have been elected (age 37). He is currently serving his 5th term. Brevard is home to the Brevard White Squirrel Festival Approximately 25% of Brevard's squirrels are white squirrels, according to an annual survey conducted by the White Squirrel Institute.