Consumer Protection in Texas
This page covers consumer protection as it applies in Texas — the state and federal laws that govern it, filing deadlines, where to get help, and notable in-state decisions. For what consumer protection protects generally, see the national overview.
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Quick answer
Texas' main consumer protection law, the Deceptive Trade Practices-Consumer Protection Act (DTPA), lets consumers sue businesses that use false, misleading, or deceptive practices when selling goods or services. Before filing a DTPA lawsuit you must send the business written notice at least 60 days in advance — skipping that step can get your case dismissed. Federal laws also protect Texans from abusive debt collectors, credit report errors, and dishonest lenders. Deadlines can be as short as one year, so document your situation and seek help as quickly as possible.
Laws that govern consumer protection in Texas
Texas state law
- Texas Deceptive Trade Practices-Consumer Protection ActTex. Bus. & Com. Code §§ 17.41–17.63
Texas' primary consumer protection law, prohibiting false, misleading, and deceptive business practices and unconscionable actions in the sale of goods and services.
- Texas Debt Collection ActTex. Fin. Code Ch. 392
Prohibits abusive, harassing, unfair, and deceptive practices by debt collectors operating in Texas and gives consumers a private right to sue for damages and attorney's fees.
- Unauthorized Use of Identifying Information (Identity Theft Civil Protections)Tex. Bus. & Com. Code Ch. 521
Provides civil remedies for identity theft victims and requires businesses to implement reasonable safeguards for consumers' personal identifying information.
Federal law
- Federal Trade Commission Act of 1914
Federal law that established the Federal Trade Commission and prohibits "unfair methods of competition" and "unfair or deceptive acts or practices." Codified at 15 U.S.C. §§ 41-58.
- Truth in Lending Act
Federal law designed to protect consumers in their dealings with lenders and creditors by requiring meaningful disclosure of credit terms. Codified at 15 U.S.C. §§ 1601 et seq.
- Fair Credit Reporting Act
Federal law that regulates the collection, dissemination, and use of consumer credit information. Codified at 15 U.S.C. §§ 1681 et seq.
Texas-specific deadlines for consumer protection cases
Enter the date your problem happened to see which deadlines may already have passed. Not every deadline applies to every situation — this is a general estimate, not legal advice. Deadlines can be shorter, paused, or extended.
- Deadline to file a DTPA lawsuit: 2 years
The clock begins when you discovered — or in the exercise of reasonable diligence should have discovered — the false, misleading, or deceptive act. If the defendant deliberately misled you to delay filing, the deadline may be extended by up to 180 days.
Tex. Bus. & Com. Code § 17.565
- Mandatory written notice before filing a DTPA lawsuit: At least 60 days before filing
Before filing a DTPA lawsuit you must send the business a written notice describing your complaint and damages in reasonable detail, then wait at least 60 days. This is a required step — not just best practice — and missing it can lead to dismissal of your case.
Tex. Bus. & Com. Code § 17.505
- Deadline to file a lawsuit under the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act: 1 year
The one-year clock starts from the date the debt collector's violation occurred. This federal law applies alongside Texas' own Debt Collection Act (Tex. Fin. Code Ch. 392), so you may have claims under both.
15 U.S.C. § 1692k(d)
These deadlines are general estimates. They can be shorter than they appear, and can be paused (“tolled”) or extended in specific situations. This is not legal advice. If any deadline is near or has passed, talk to a lawyer right away.
Where to go & how to get help
Government agencies and non-profit legal-help organizations for consumer protection in Texas.
The primary state enforcement agency for consumer protection; accepts free online complaints about deceptive businesses and enforces the DTPA and related laws.
- Federal Trade Commissionagency
Federal agency that enforces consumer protection laws nationwide and accepts complaints about fraud, scams, identity theft, and deceptive business practices.
- Federal Trade Commissionagency
Federal agency that enforces the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and accepts consumer fraud complaints through ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
- Federal Trade Commissionagency
Federal enforcement agency for the Federal Trade Commission Act; accepts consumer complaints about deceptive advertising, identity theft, and scams through its online complaint portal.
Federal agency enforcing laws on credit reports, mortgages, student loans, credit cards, and debt collection; accepts free consumer complaints online.
- Lone Star Legal Aidlegal aid
Free civil legal services for income-eligible Texans covering DTPA claims, debt collection abuses, predatory lending, and other consumer issues.
- Texas Legal Services Centerlegal aid
Provides free legal assistance to income-eligible Texans on civil matters including consumer protection, healthcare access, and financial stability.
Connects Texans with a licensed attorney for an initial consultation of up to 30 minutes for no more than $20; reach the service at 1-800-252-9690.
Official U.S. government starting point for finding free or low-cost legal help and legal-aid programs near you.
Locate the LSC-funded legal-aid organization that serves your county for civil (non-criminal) legal problems.
Find your state or local bar association lawyer-referral service and free legal-answer programs.
Find your state attorney general to file consumer-protection, civil-rights, or other complaints.
How to take action in Texas
- 1
Gather and preserve all documentation
Collect receipts, contracts, advertisements, emails, and any other written records related to the transaction or problem. Clear documentation is often the key to a successful claim.
- 2
Send a written demand to the business
Put your complaint in writing and state what you want the business to do. This creates a paper trail and may also satisfy part of the DTPA pre-suit notice requirement.
- 3
Send the mandatory 60-day DTPA written notice before suing
If you plan to file a DTPA lawsuit, Texas law requires you to first send the business a detailed written notice describing your complaint and the amount of damages you are claiming, and then wait at least 60 days before filing.
- 4
File a complaint with the Texas Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division
Filing a free online complaint helps the state track deceptive businesses and may lead to enforcement action; you will receive a complaint number to reference in any follow-up.
- 5
File a complaint with the appropriate federal agency
For debt collection abuse or credit report errors, file with the federal Consumer Financial Protection Bureau; the Federal Trade Commission also accepts consumer fraud complaints and enforces federal consumer laws.
- 6
Consult a consumer protection attorney promptly
The DTPA allows you to recover attorney's fees if you win, so many consumer attorneys handle these cases on contingency; acting quickly protects you from missing the two-year filing deadline.
A general roadmap, not legal advice — the right steps depend on your situation and deadlines.
Common questions about consumer protection in Texas
What is the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices-Consumer Protection Act and who does it protect?
The Deceptive Trade Practices-Consumer Protection Act (DTPA) prohibits businesses from using false, misleading, or deceptive acts when selling goods or services in Texas. It covers 'consumers' — individuals and businesses with net assets of $25 million or less that seek or acquire goods or services. Unconscionable actions and certain warranty violations are also covered.
How long do I have to file a DTPA lawsuit?
You generally have two years to file a DTPA lawsuit. Under Tex. Bus. & Com. Code § 17.565, the clock starts from the date you discovered — or in the exercise of reasonable diligence should have discovered — the false, misleading, or deceptive act. If the defendant deliberately misled you to delay your filing, a court may extend the deadline by up to 180 additional days.
Do I have to notify the business before I can sue under the DTPA?
Yes. Under Tex. Bus. & Com. Code § 17.505, you must send the business written notice at least 60 days before filing suit, describing your complaint in reasonable detail and stating the amount of economic damages, mental anguish damages, and attorney's fees you are claiming. Missing this step can result in your lawsuit being dismissed.
Can I recover more than my actual losses under the DTPA?
Possibly. Under the DTPA, if a court finds the business acted 'knowingly,' it may award up to two times your economic damages on top of your actual damages. If the business acted 'intentionally,' it may award up to three times your actual damages. You may also recover attorney's fees and court costs if you prevail.
What laws protect me from abusive or harassing debt collectors?
Two laws apply to Texas consumers: the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (15 U.S.C. §§ 1692–1692p) and the Texas Debt Collection Act (Tex. Fin. Code Ch. 392). Both ban harassment, threats, false statements, and unfair collection tactics. You can file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau or the Texas Attorney General, or bring your own lawsuit for actual damages and attorney's fees.
What are my rights if my credit report contains an error?
Under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act, you have the right to dispute inaccurate or incomplete information directly with the credit reporting company and with the business that provided the data. The credit reporting company must investigate within 30 days and correct or delete information it cannot verify. If a company fails to fix a known error, you may be able to sue for actual damages.
What can the Texas Attorney General do for me?
The Texas Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division enforces the DTPA and related laws by investigating complaints, suing deceptive businesses, and seeking restitution for affected consumers. Filing a complaint is free and does not automatically start a lawsuit on your behalf, but it contributes to investigations that can benefit many consumers at once.
Not legal advice. State-specific statutes, deadlines and procedures are being sourced and will appear here.