First, choose the consumer complaint form that fits your problem. In this case, the non-payment on a contract is a business deal gone sour, and therefore a mere breach of contract rather than an unfair or deceptive act.(a). Unfair methods of competition in or affecting commerce, and unfair or deceptive acts or practices in or affecting commerce, are declared unlawful. (b). Unfair and deceptive trade practices are essentially misleading or illegal acts that cause harm to consumers or competitors in the market. (a) Unfair methods of competition in or affecting commerce, and unfair or deceptive acts or practices in or affecting commerce, are declared unlawful. Attorney General Josh Stein's Consumer Protection experts protect North Carolina consumers. We fight unfair business practices like scams and frauds. Unfair or deceptive commercial practices are unlawful in North Carolina. Victim of unfair or deceptive trade practices in Raleigh, NC? Of trade, commercial invasions of privacy, and other unfair and deceptive trade practices.