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.
The City of Redmond Oregon, incorporated on July 6, 1910, is located on the eastern side of Oregon's Cascade Range and is considered the geographical heart of Central Oregon, within easy access to a multitude of recreational opportunities including mountain biking, fishing, hiking, camping, rock climbing, white-water rafting, skiing, and golf. Redmond is a progressive full-service municipality and one of the fastest growing industrial and residential communities in the State of Oregon. Redmond had a population of 13,481 in 2000 and has grown to an estimated population of 25,445 residents; the growth rate continues to be about 8% per year. This High Desert community encompasses 15 1/2 square miles (approx. 9,974 acres) and is located on a flat plateau, at an elevation of 3,077 feet above sea level. Redmond is 15 miles north of Bend, the county seat for Deschutes County; 144 miles from Portland; 129 miles from Salem, the State Capital; and 126 miles from Eugene.