§ 66-96 — Bond or trust account required

If the business opportunity seller makes any of the representations set forth in G.S. 66-94(3), the seller must either have obtained a surety bond issued by a surety company authorized to do business in this State or have established a trust account with a licensed and insured bank or savings institution located in the State of North Carolina. The amount of the bond or trust account shall be an amount not less than fifty thousand dollars ($50,000). The bond or trust account shall be in favor of the State of North Carolina. Any person who is damaged by any violation of this Article, or by the seller's breach of the contract for the business opportunity sale or of any obligation arising therefrom may bring an action against the bond or trust account to recover damages suffered; provided, however, that the aggregate liability of the surety or trustee shall be only for actual damages and in no event shall exceed the amount of the bond or trust account. (1977, c. 884, s. 1.)