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.
Danbury is a town located in Danbury Township, Stokes County, North Carolina. As of the 2000 census, the town had a total population of 108. It is the county seat of Stokes County. Danbury is located on NC 8/89 approximately 20 miles north of Winston-Salem and is the "Gateway to Hanging Rock". The Stokes County Government Center, Arts Council, school board, county jail, a public library, and other public services are found within the town limits. Stokes-Reynolds Memorial Hospital is located about a half mile northwest of the town. Danbury is a popular rest stop for bicyclists, motorcyclists, and driving enthusiasts due to the numerous scenic roads in Stokes County. Danbury also attracts outdoor enthusiasts because of its location on the Dan River and near the entrance to Hanging Rock State Park. There are no regional or national franchises in Danbury, only local shops like the Danbury General Store, and small restaurants. A 2007 edition of the Stokes News reported that Danbury will be expanding, with a small shopping center planned in the coming years. The NewBridge Bank has a branch in town. J.E. Priddy's General Store, a local historic landmark dating from the late 19th century, is still in business selling goods old and new. It is located about 2 miles east of town on Sheppard Mill Rd.