Indiana § 24-5-15-5 - Deceptive acts

Full text of Indiana Indiana Code § 24-5-15-5 — Deceptive acts, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 24-5-15-5. Deceptive acts

Sec. 5. The following are deceptive acts:

(1) To charge or receive money or other valuable consideration before the complete performance of services that a credit services organization has agreed to perform for or on behalf of a consumer, unless the credit services organization has under section 8 of this chapter:

(A) obtained a surety bond issued by a surety company admitted to do business in Indiana; or

(B) established an irrevocable letter of credit.

(2) To charge or receive money or other valuable consideration to refer a buyer to a retail seller that will or may extend credit to the buyer if the extension of credit is made upon substantially the same terms as those available to the general public.

(3) To make or to advise a buyer to make a statement with respect to the buyer's creditworthiness, credit standing, or credit capacity that is:

(A) false or misleading; or

(B) that should be known by the exercise of reasonable care to be false or misleading;

to a consumer reporting agency or to a person that has extended credit to the buyer or to whom the buyer is applying for an extension of credit.

(4) To make or use a false or misleading representation in an offer to sell or a sale of the services of a credit services organization, including:

(A) guaranteeing to "erase bad credit" or using words to that effect unless the representation clearly discloses that this can be done only if a person's credit history is inaccurate or obsolete;

(B) guaranteeing an extension of credit regardless of the buyer's previous credit history unless the representation clearly discloses the eligibility requirements for obtaining the extension of credit; or

(C) requiring a buyer to waive a right protected by a state or federal law.

(5) To take a power of attorney from a buyer for any purpose other than inspecting documents as provided by law.

As added by P.L.142-1990, SEC.1. Amended by P.L.171-2006, SEC.3.

Frequently Asked Questions About Indiana § 24-5-15-5

What does Indiana Code § 24-5-15-5 cover?

Section 24-5-15-5 ("Deceptive acts") is part of the Indiana Code, the codified statutory law of Indiana. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Indiana § 24-5-15-5?

A common citation format is "Indiana Code § 24-5-15-5" (Indiana). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Indiana law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Indiana official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Indiana attorney.

How does Indiana § 24-5-15-5 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Indiana can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Indiana.