A consumer is a person who purchases goods or services for personal use.
In Virginia, a consumer is generally defined as an individual who buys goods or services primarily for personal, family, or household purposes. This definition is in line with the Virginia Consumer Protection Act (VCPA), which aims to protect consumers from fraudulent and deceptive practices in the marketplace. The VCPA covers a wide range of consumer transactions and provides remedies for consumers who have been subjected to unfair business practices. Under this act, consumers have the right to seek damages, including triple damages for willful violations, and reasonable attorney fees if they prevail in court. Additionally, federal laws such as the Federal Trade Commission Act (FTC Act) also provide protections against unfair or deceptive acts or practices on a national level, complementing state consumer protection laws.