Michigan § 493.12a - False, misleading, deceptive, or irresponsible advertising unlawful; definition; requirements for advertising.
Full text of Michigan Michigan Compiled Laws § 493.12a — False, misleading, deceptive, or irresponsible advertising unlawful; definition; requirements for advertising., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 493.12a. False, misleading, deceptive, or irresponsible advertising unlawful; definition; requirements for advertising.
False, misleading, deceptive, or irresponsible advertising is unlawful and is defined as follows:
Advertising which lures, entices, induces, or tends to induce a person to incur a debt by unreasonably minimizing the consequences of assuming a legal repayment obligation or by depicting the assumption of a debt obligation as a frivolous transaction.
Advertising that describes or depicts the benefits or advantages of having the money from a loan, without describing or depicting the obligation of repaying the loan with interest.
Advertising with claims and representations that are not accurate or provable.
Advertising which misrepresents facts or creates misleading impressions.
Advertising which uses the phrase "lowest rates", "lowest rates in the city", or similar phrases unless the rates are actually lower than those of other lenders.
Advertising which uses the phrase "new reduced rates", "new low rates", "reduced rates", or similar phrases for more than 60 days after the changed rates become effective.
Advertising which causes a probability of confusion or misunderstanding as to the legal rights, obligations, or remedies of a lender, or as to the terms or conditions of credit.
Advertising which represents that a borrower will receive a rebate, discount, or other benefit as an inducement for entering into a transaction, if the benefit is contingent on an event to occur subsequent to the consummation of the transaction.
Advertising which suggests or infers that a loan is not a loan, or that interest is not charged, or that the borrower is not under an obligation to repay.
A licensee shall not advertise any size of loan, security required for a loan, rate of charge, or other condition of lending except with the full intent of making loans at those rates, or lower rates, and under those conditions, to applicants who meet the standards or qualifications prescribed.
Source: official Michigan text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Michigan § 493.12a
What does Michigan Compiled Laws § 493.12a cover?
Section 493.12a ("False, misleading, deceptive, or irresponsible advertising unlawful; definition; requirements for advertising.") is part of the Michigan Compiled Laws, the codified statutory law of Michigan. 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 Michigan § 493.12a?
A common citation format is "Michigan Compiled Laws § 493.12a" (Michigan). 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 Michigan law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Michigan official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Michigan attorney.
How does Michigan § 493.12a apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Michigan 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 Michigan.