NJ A3186

Requires consumers to prove they were aware of and relied to their detriment on the unlawful practice to recover damages under the Consumer Fraud Act, adding a reliance requirement not currently in the law.

Changes treble damages from mandatory to discretionary, allowing courts to award "up to" three times actual damages rather than requiring it.

Mandates consumers serve a written demand on the seller before filing suit; failure to provide this notice eliminates the right to treble damages.

Creates a "technical violation" exception barring attorneys' fees and costs when violations were made in good faith, without intent to defraud, and caused no ascertainable loss or impact on product/service quality.

Limits the Consumer Fraud Act's application to New Jersey residents or in-state transactions, and exempts actions already regulated by the FTC or other state/federal regulatory bodies.