Consumer Law in Washington

Do you need a consumer law attorney in Washington to fight for your rights and bring fraudsters to justice? We can match you with the right lawyer to help you reclaim your rights.

Common Types of Consumer Fraud in Washington

Consumer fraud primarily refers to deceptive practices that can cause customers in Washington to suffer financial, physical, or emotional injury. Fraudulent practices can also occur at the individual level, such as when someone falls victim to lottery scams. Consumer law refers to the regulations that define unlawful actions and how consumers can seek justice.

Sometimes, becoming a victim of consumer fraud in Washington can also lead to criminal charges against you. For instance, it can be strenuous to clear your name after you donate to a charitable organization involved with money laundering.

The Washington Attorney General’s Office investigates and prosecutes consumer fraud. In addition, they provide information about some of the more common scams targeting Washington residents. Some of these include sweepstakes and lottery scams. Scammers lure you in with promises of cash prizes or free vacations. Then, they tell you they need your bank account information or that you must pay fees and taxes upfront. Another common tactic involves using guilt or threats to steal your money. These scammers may claim to be a government official or even a distant relative.

Many people are embarrassed about falling for a scam, and they suffer in silence. But, speaking up can help to bring the persons responsible to justice. Even when it does not, it helps spread awareness and stop other consumers from falling victim to the same fate.

What Types of Fraud are in Consumer Law?

If you suffered damages because of consumer fraud in Washington, you might be able to file a lawsuit against the responsible parties. Taking a closer look at the most common types of consumer fraud found under consumer law can help you determine if you have a legitimate claim.

Identity Theft

This type of consumer fraud happens when a nefarious Washington company or individual steals your personal information. They might steal your bank account information, Social Security number, full name, or credit card numbers. One of the most common identity theft methods is data mining.

Once an individual has your personal information, they can open credit cards or make fraudulent charges on existing ones. Some thieves will even open utility accounts in your name as a way to prove residency. After they can accomplish this task, they have even more options to apply for loans or credit cards. Sometimes identity thieves gain access to your bank account and drain all the funds that you have available. There are also reports of scams that access health insurance and place medical charges on the victim’s insurance. Proving that you are a victim of identity theft can be very complicated. Consequently, hiring a dedicated and experienced Washington consumer law fraud lawyer is essential to proving your innocence.

Fake Organizations

Fake charities are difficult to spot because they use similar techniques that legitimate ones rely on to raise funds. That’s why it’s important for you to understand where your money is going before you decide to donate to an organization. The same is true when investing or purchasing goods and services.

You can identify if any Washington organization is legitimate if they have registration in the state. Or, the IRS should verify their non-profit status. But, scammers can legitimately register an organization for illegal purposes. Take the time to research how your money gets used before investing in a business or donating to charity.

Most organizations must register with the Washington Secretary of State before soliciting or receiving charitable donations in Washington. The Secretary maintains a searchable database as well as other resources for donors. Unfortunately, the pandemic has given scammers an opportunity to prey on Washington donors. Both the Attorney General and the Secretary of State warn Washingtonians to be on the lookout for COVID-19 charity scams. Red flags can include pressure to donate immediately and requesting payment by cash, money order, or prepaid gift card.

When it comes to products and services, looking up customer reviews can help. The more reviews a product or service has, the more likely it is a legitimate organization. However, people can buy these illegally. In fact, anyone can build a website or register an empty LLC in Washington.

Defective Products and Services

Legitimate Washington companies often create defective products and services. Some common issues are:

• Products that do not work as intended
• Products that have harmful design flaws
• Medications that do not mention all side effects
• Services that do not deliver on promises

Even when this is not intentional, consumers might become entitled to compensation for the damages caused. This circumstance is why we often hear of car manufacturers issuing recalls and repairs when they realize something has gone wrong.

Washington’s Product Liability Act governs all product liability lawsuits in the state. This means that, unlike in many states, a plaintiff cannot use common law tort theories, such as negligence. Instead, the statutes provide specific requirements depending on the type of claim. These can involve manufacturing defects, design defects, or inadequate warnings and instructions. In addition, Washington’s 3-year statute of limitations begins at the date of the injury, not its discovery.

Washington Consumer Protection Laws and How Consumer Law Works

The Federal Trade Commission Act of 1914 is arguably the most important consumer protection law in the United States. It establishes the Federal Trade Commission to protect consumers from deceptive business practices. It does this not just for individual cases, but also to target monopolies.

The FTC’s work includes conducting investigations, collecting complaints, and filing lawsuits. In addition, other federal laws protect public consumers against deceptive transactions. These include the agriculture, real estate, food, and beverage industries. Washington consumer laws also put measures in place to police false advertising and illegal debt collection practices.

Work With an Experienced Washington Consumer Law Attorney

Working with a consumer fraud attorney in Washington can help you understand your rights. The appropriate professional from our network of legal experts will help you understand the FTC guidelines. They will help you discover what types of complaints you can make against the organization that has committed fraud against you.

A qualified Washington consumer fraud attorney will also guide you through working with law enforcement. The goal is to bring the fraudulent business practices against other customers and yourself to light. Get help and file a claim against the entity that committed consumer fraud against you. We can even help you connect with an attorney across Washington state lines.

Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an attorney in your area!