Utah Admin. Code 152-1-1

Current through Bulletin 2024-23, December 1, 2024
Section R152-1-1 - Buyer Beware List
(1) Authority and purpose.
(a) This rule is promulgated pursuant to :
(i) the Division's general authority as set forth in Utah Code Section 13-2-5; and
(ii) specific authority granted to the Division in:
(A) Utah Code Section 13-11-8(2); and
(B) Utah Code Section 13-15-3(1).
(b) The purposes of this rule are to:
(i) protect consumers from individuals and businesses who have engaged in and committed deceptive acts or practices, or have engaged in and committed unconscionable acts or practices;
(ii) supply consumers with pertinent information about the nature of deceptive acts or practices committed or engaged in by certain persons against whom the Division has taken action; and
(iii) encourage the development of fair consumer sales practices and wise decision making by consumers.
(2) Placement on the Buyer Beware List.
(a) The following circumstances warrant a person's being placed on the Buyer Beware List:
(i) failure or refusal to respond to an administrative subpoena of the Division;
(ii) after notification and opportunity to respond, failure or refusal to respond to a consumer complaint on file with the Division establishing a reasonable basis from which the Division may assert jurisdiction;
(iii) failure to comply with an order issued by the Division, including a default order; or
(iv) breach of a settlement agreement, stipulation, assurance of voluntary compliance, or similar instrument entered into with the Division.
(b) Failure or refusal to respond is evidenced:
(i) where certified mail, properly addressed, is returned to the Division as unclaimed or refused ;
(ii) where the person who is responsible to respond:
(A) allows a compliance deadline, as set forth in a statute, rule, or in a properly served order, citation, or notice, to pass without taking action or communicating with the Division; or
(B) indicates to the Division that the person does not intend to comply; or
(iii) in any circumstances comparable to those set forth in this subsection (2)(b)(i)-(ii).
(3) Removal from Buyer Beware List.

A person whose name is included in the Buyer Beware List may qualify to have the listing removed by:

(a)
(i) demonstrating that the person has had no complaints filed against the person with the Division for a period of 90 consecutive days after being placed on the list; and
(ii) complying with all aspects of the order entered against the person by the Division, including full payment of any administrative fines assessed;
(b) providing a sufficient response to an outstanding Division subpoena;
(c) providing a satisfactory response to outstanding Division inquiries; or
(d) entering into a stipulated settlement with the Division that:
(i) resolves all allegations raised by the Division in its action; and
(ii) supersedes any previous order issued by the Division in the action.

Utah Admin. Code R152-1-1

Amended by Utah State Bulletin Number 2015-13, effective 6/8/2015