Which parties remain liable under the DTPA regardless of other circumstances?

The Deceptive Trade Practices Act (DTPA) is designed to protect consumers from false, misleading, or deceptive acts in the conduct of any trade or commerce. Within the framework of the DTPA, sellers maintain liability regardless of other circumstances, as they are responsible for the representation and conduct of their business transactions.

Sellers are primarily targeted under the DTPA because they have a direct role in marketing and selling goods or services. They are expected to adhere to a standard of honesty and transparency regarding their products. If a seller engages in deceptive practices—whether intentional or unintentional— they can be held accountable for consumer damages under the DTPA.

On the other hand, while buyers, agents, and inspectors may have specific obligations and could potentially face consequences in various contexts, they do not automatically retain liability under the DTPA in every situation. For example, buyers are typically protected as consumers from deceptive practices, and agents or inspectors may have different responsibilities or protections based on their roles and the specific actions they take. The seller's responsibility remains constant, making them the correct choice in this context.