Fraud & Deceptive Practices
Nashville Fraud Litigation Lawyers
Fraud doesn’t just cost money—it erodes trust. Whether you’ve been misled by a business, contractor, professional, or someone you thought you could rely on, the fallout can be financial, emotional, and deeply personal. Contracts fall apart, projects stall, and you’re left wondering how you’ll ever be made whole.
At Freeman & Fuson, we are committed to representing individuals and businesses throughout Middle Tennessee who have been the victims of fraudulent schemes and deceptive practices. We regularly pursue claims against unethical businesses and service providers, and we understand how to translate deceptive conduct into clear legal claims under Tennessee law, including common law fraud and the Tennessee Consumer Protection Act (T.C.A. § 47-18-101 et seq.).
What Counts as Fraud in Tennessee?
In a civil (non-criminal) context, fraud in Tennessee generally means more than just a broken promise or a bad business deal. It involves intentional deception.
A typical civil fraud claim requires proof that:
- Someone made a false statement of material fact, or concealed a material fact when they had a duty to speak;
- They knew the statement was false, or made it recklessly without regard for the truth;
- They intended for you to rely on that statement;
- You did in fact rely on it; and
- You suffered damages as a result.
Examples of fraudulent conduct include:
- Misrepresenting the condition of property, vehicles, or equipment at sale
- Lying about qualifications, licenses, or experience to secure a job or contract
- Concealing major defects in a home, construction project, or product
- Falsifying invoices, financial statements, or records to obtain money
- Promising services or results with no intention of performing
In addition to common law fraud, Tennessee’s consumer protection laws (including the Tennessee Consumer Protection Act) provide remedies for unfair or deceptive acts or practices in trade or commerce. That can cover a wide range of conduct by businesses and service providers, even when there is no formal written contract.
Common Types of Fraud & Deceptive Practices
Fraud can appear in many forms. Some of the more common situations we see include:
Consumer and Service Provider Fraud
- Home improvement and repair scams
- Contractors taking deposits and not performing work
- Auto repair shops recommending unnecessary or phantom repairs
- Bait-and-switch advertising or false “limited time” offers
Business and Commercial Fraud
- Misrepresentation of financials, assets, or liabilities in a business sale
- False statements during negotiations about key terms or conditions
- Fraudulent billing, double invoicing, or hidden fees
- Misuse of entrusted funds or business accounts
Real Estate and Property Fraud
- Sellers concealing water intrusion, foundation problems, or structural damage
- Landlords misrepresenting property conditions, zoning, or rights
- Rental scams involving fake listings or unauthorized subleases
Professional and Investment Fraud
- Advisors or professionals overstating returns or understating risk
- “Too good to be true” investment opportunities
- Misappropriation of funds entrusted for a specific purpose
No matter how sophisticated the scheme, the core is usually the same: someone lied or concealed important facts to get your money or property.
Fraud vs. Breach of Contract
Many fraud cases arise alongside breach of contract disputes.
Not every contract dispute is fraud, and not every broken promise is actionable as deception.
The key difference is intent
Breach of contract focuses on a failure to perform agreed terms.
Fraud focuses on whether you were tricked into the deal or misled in a way that goes beyond ordinary non-performance.
We carefully analyze
What was said or promised before you agreed
What the other party knew at the time
Whether they concealed important information
Whether their statements were about existing facts, not just opinions or future hopes
When fraud is present, it can open the door to additional remedies, including punitive damages and, in some cases, attorney’s fees.
Remedies for Fraud in Tennessee
If you’ve been the victim of fraud or deceptive practices, Tennessee law may allow you to recover:
Compensatory damages
To reimburse money you lost or expenses you incurred
Consequential damages
for additional losses caused by the fraud (such as lost profits, when recoverable)
Rescission
Undoing the transaction and attempting to restore both sides to their pre-fraud position
Punitive damages
In appropriate cases, to punish particularly egregious or malicious conduct
Statutory remedies
Including potential attorney’s fees in certain consumer protection claims
Every case is different. We work to understand the full scope of your loss: direct financial harm, additional costs, lost opportunities, and the ripple effects on your business or personal life.
How We Prove Fraud & Deceptive Practices
Fraud is rarely admitted; it’s proven through documents, patterns, and inconsistencies. At Freeman & Fuson, we take a methodical approach, which can include:
Reviewing contracts, emails, texts, messages, and marketing materials
Comparing what you were told with what the other side actually did or delivered
Analyzing financial records, invoices, bank statements, or accounting entries
Working with experts (construction, accounting, valuation, etc.) when needed
Identifying inconsistencies in the other side’s story over time
Tracing how and when the misrepresentations were made
We build your case around concrete evidence, not just accusations, so that judges and juries can clearly see the deception and its impact on you.
Defending Against Fraud Allegations
We also understand that the label “fraud” is sometimes used as a weapon in business disputes. If you or your company has been accused of fraud, the stakes are high—your reputation, business relationships, and future opportunities may all be on the line.
Defenses may include:
Demonstrating this is a contract dispute, not intentional deception
Showing your statements were true, opinion-based, or made in good faith
Challenging whether the other side actually and reasonably relied on the alleged statements
Disputing causation and the extent of damages
Asserting counterclaims where the accuser has breached the contract or acted improperly
We take fraud allegations seriously and defend them aggressively, focusing both on the legal claims and the broader effect on your business or personal name.
Hire a Nashville Fraud Litigation Lawyer
Fraud cases are often complex, emotional, and document-heavy. You need counsel that understands both the law and the practical realities of undoing the damage and moving forward. At Freeman & Fuson, we treat your case with the seriousness it deserves, whether the fraud involved a few thousand dollars or a high-value transaction.
Talk to a Nashville Fraud Lawyer Today
Don’t let a fraudulent scheme or deceptive practice define your financial future. Call Freeman & Fuson at (615) 298-7272 or contact us online for a confidential consultation. We’ll move quickly to review what happened, gather the evidence you need, and pursue the strongest path to recover your losses and hold the wrongdoer accountable.