2017 Texas Statutes
BUSINESS AND COMMERCE CODE
TITLE 3 - INSOLVENCY, FRAUDULENT TRANSFERS, AND FRAUD
CHAPTER 27 - FRAUD
BUSINESS AND COMMERCE CODE
TITLE 3. INSOLVENCY, FRAUDULENT TRANSFERS, AND FRAUD
CHAPTER 27. FRAUD
Sec. 27.01. FRAUD IN REAL ESTATE AND STOCK TRANSACTIONS. (a) Fraud in a transaction involving real estate or stock in a corporation or joint stock company consists of a
(1) false representation of a past or existing material fact, when the false representation is
(A) made to a person for the purpose of inducing that person to enter into a contract; and
(B) relied on by that person in entering into that contract; or
(2) false promise to do an act, when the false promise is
(A) material;
(B) made with the intention of not fulfilling it;
(C) made to a person for the purpose of inducing that person to enter into a contract; and
(D) relied on by that person in entering into that contract.
(b) A person who makes a false representation or false promise commits the fraud described in Subsection (a) of this section and is liable to the person defrauded for actual damages.
(c) A person who makes a false representation or false promise with actual awareness of the falsity thereof commits the fraud described in Subsection (a) of this section and is liable to the person defrauded for exemplary damages. Actual awareness may be inferred where objective manifestations indicate that a person acted with actual awareness.
(d) A person who (1) has actual awareness of the falsity of a representation or promise made by another person and (2) fails to disclose the falsity of the representation or promise to the person defrauded, and (3) benefits from the false representation or promise commits the fraud described in Subsection (a) of this section and is liable to the person defrauded for exemplary damages. Actual awareness may be inferred where objective manifestations indicate that a person acted with actual awareness.
(e) Any person who violates the provisions of this section shall be liable to the person defrauded for reasonable and necessary attorney's fees, expert witness fees, costs for copies of depositions, and costs of court.
Acts 1967, 60th Leg., vol. 2, p. 2343, ch. 785, Sec. 1. Amended by Acts 1983, 68th Leg., p. 5208, ch. 949, Sec. 1, 2, eff. Sept. 1, 1983.
Sec. 27.015. DECEPTIVE TRADE PRACTICE; PUBLIC REMEDY. (a) In this section, "consumer protection division" has the meaning assigned by Section 17.45.
(b) A violation of Section 27.01 that relates to the transfer of title to real estate is a false, misleading, or deceptive act or practice as defined by Section 17.46(b), and any public remedy under Subchapter E, Chapter 17, is available for a violation of that section.
(c) It is the duty of city attorneys to lend the consumer protection division any reasonable assistance requested in the commencement and prosecution of actions under this section.
(d) To the same extent and in the same manner a district or county attorney may institute or prosecute an action under this section, a city attorney may institute or prosecute an action under this section.
(e) If a district, county, or city attorney brings an action under this section, 75 percent of any penalty recovered shall be deposited in the general fund of the county or municipality in which the violation occurred.
(f) This section does not apply to an action to recover damages that is subject to Chapter 27, Property Code.
Added by Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1083 (H.B. 2590), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2015.
Sec. 27.02. CERTAIN INSURANCE CLAIMS FOR EXCESSIVE CHARGES. (a) A person who sells goods or services commits an offense if:
(1) the person advertises or promises to provide the good or service and to pay:
(A) all or part of any applicable insurance deductible; or
(B) a rebate in an amount equal to all or part of any applicable insurance deductible;
(2) the good or service is paid for by the consumer from proceeds of a property or casualty insurance policy; and
(3) the person knowingly charges an amount for the good or service that exceeds the usual and customary charge by the person for the good or service by an amount equal to or greater than all or part of the applicable insurance deductible paid by the person to an insurer on behalf of an insured or remitted to an insured by the person as a rebate.
(b) A person who is insured under a property or casualty insurance policy commits an offense if the person:
(1) submits a claim under the policy based on charges that are in violation of Subsection (a) of this section; or
(2) knowingly allows a claim in violation of Subsection (a) of this section to be submitted, unless the person promptly notifies the insurer of the excessive charges.
(c) An offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor.
Added by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 898, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1989.
