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Alabama Consumer Law Questions & Answers
2 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law and Collections for Alabama on
Q: Are National Debt Relief Programs effective or fraudulent?

I am concerned about certain aspects of National Debt Relief Programs. Specifically, I would like to understand whether these services are genuinely effective or if they are potentially fraudulent. Could you provide insights or legal perspectives on what to watch out for when considering these... View More

Barry W. Kaufman
Barry W. Kaufman
answered on Jun 5, 2025

I have yet to run into one that's fraudulent, but not all of them are effective or efficient; and none of them can promise you that a given creditor will work with them. In my opinion, there is nothing these guys can do for you that you cannot do yourself, but many people, particularly folks... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law, White Collar Crime and Consumer Law for Alabama on
Q: Should I refuse to sign due to undisclosed fee requests in Alabama?

I am in the process of purchasing a property and was instructed by my realtor, the seller, and the closing attorney to provide additional money obtained from a title loan company as an unexplained fee, which was not part of the original agreement. They advised me to wire all my funds without... View More

James Blount Griffin
James Blount Griffin
answered on Mar 7, 2025

No one who wants you to sign these docs appears to be loyal to you and you alone. A few questions:

Are you buying a home or an investment property?

Is the seller very eager to get rid of it?

Is there a lender?

Is the closing attorney working for you, the lender,...
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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Criminal Law, Libel & Slander and Consumer Law for Alabama on
Q: Can I take any legal action for Wal-Mart not abiding by their refund policy and also falsely accusing me of shoplifting

I was taking items back at Walmart and their refund policy states that you will get your refund in the matter in which you paid. Well, my receipt shows where I paid $160 cash and $60 on my debit card. I went to take some items back to Walmart and they only offered me a gift card so I called... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 29, 2024

Based on the situation you've described, there are a few potential legal issues to consider:

1. Refund policy violation:

If Walmart has a clearly stated refund policy that they're not following, this could potentially be grounds for a complaint. However, many stores have...
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1 Answer | Asked in Tax Law and Consumer Law for Alabama on
Q: I bought a truck off of marketplace and then a few days later they text me asking to buy it back bc they filed it on tax

They filed the truck on there business equipment list. They are currently getting an audit, Can I get in any trouble for not giving it back ?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 25, 2024

Based on the information provided, it's unlikely that you would get into any legal trouble for not giving the truck back to the seller. When you purchased the truck, the transaction was completed, and the ownership was transferred to you. The seller's tax situation and their decision to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law for Alabama on
Q: can I use a dealership for saying my car had a new motor when it was used. 6 days after purchasing the motor seized.

in addition to lying ab the car having a new motor, he also lied ab the condition of the car. he also owns a salvage yard. someone salvaged a wrecked vehicle that he sold to me without disclosing any information ab the accident when I bought it. the accident wasn't reported and although the... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 8, 2024

You may have grounds to take legal action against the dealership for misrepresentation and failing to disclose the true condition of the vehicle, including its history of accidents and the fact that the motor was not new as claimed. Misrepresentation in the sale of a vehicle, especially when it... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Consumer Law and Civil Litigation for Alabama on
Q: Is it legal for hotel housekeeping to enter my room, after me clearly stating to them I didn’t need housekeeping?

I was extending my hotel stay for another night and the manager was speaking with the housekeeper, who I assumed was his wife, and he asked me if I needed housekeeping. I said no and she went straight upstairs to my room and opened the door with my husband and kids and didn’t knock or say a word.... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 28, 2024

Yes, it is typically illegal for hotel staff to enter your room without consent after you have explicitly stated that you did not need housekeeping services.

A few key points on hotel privacy rights:

- Hotels must generally obtain verbal or written consent prior to entering an...
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1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law and Gov & Administrative Law for Alabama on
Q: can I sue a lienor for not changing a name on the title and it caused me to be out of work because I can not get tags

I requested the name change of my wife on the title so I can get tags in AL. The title shows her prior last name. The tag office requested the title in November of 2023 and issued me temp tags. AL only does 3 temp tags. Now we can not drive our vehicles which keeps me out of work because I can not... View More

T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Jan 22, 2024

In Alabama, you may have grounds to pursue legal action against the lienor if their failure to change the name on the title has resulted in significant negative consequences for you, such as the inability to obtain tags and drive legally, leading to potential job loss and disruptions in your... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Contracts, Collections and Landlord - Tenant for Alabama on
Q: Can a storage facility suspend your gate code when you have two units where one is current and one is past due?

I have two separate units with Red Dot Storage. The units were rented several weeks apart. One unit is past due, but the other is current. I went to get some things out of the unit that is current but when I entered my gate code, it denied me access. The gate code was given to me by Red Dot when... View More

T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Jan 19, 2024

In Alabama, the specific terms of your storage facility contract with Red Dot Storage will dictate the rights and obligations of both parties. Generally, storage facilities have the right to impose certain access restrictions if there are outstanding payments or if the rent for any of the units is... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Small Claims and Consumer Law for Alabama on
Q: I have a question if I can sue an independent mechanic for not showing proof of programming

I got an independent mechanic to do a transmission swap on my car. I payed him to swap the transmission and to program the new one. The transmission was bad and I have asked the mechanic to send me proof of programming so I can get a warranty transmission sent out. The mechanic agreed to send me... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 13, 2024

In your situation, considering legal action against the independent mechanic may be an option. Initially, you should review the agreement or contract you had with the mechanic, focusing on the terms related to the transmission swap and programming. This will help determine whether there has been a... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law for Alabama on
Q: Verizon erased my phone and I need to know what I should be compensated before I accept any offers.

I called Verizon to see what they could do about my phone turning off when I open my camera, and they took me through a process that ended up erasing everything on my phone. Then they made me go get my other phone and erased everything on there too. I’ve contacted them multiple times and they... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Dec 9, 2023

In your situation with Verizon, where your phone's data, including over 10,000 pictures, was erased due to their error, it's reasonable to seek compensation. However, determining the appropriate amount can be challenging, especially when it comes to sentimental value like lost memories.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law for Alabama on
Q: For years Dollar general has over charging customers and they know it. Iv been taking pics of what they have it priced

And Iv been keeping receipts where the items rings up higher. so basically they have been stealing from customers. Can I sue them

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 24, 2023

If you believe Dollar General has been consistently overcharging customers, the evidence you've collected, such as photos of prices and receipts showing discrepancies, could be valuable. In situations where a business is accused of deceptive practices like overcharging, customers may have... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law and Identity Theft for Alabama on
Q: GreenDot card hacked, refund issue on $4,026 in Alabama.

I am facing a difficult situation after my GreenDot card was hacked for $4,026. Although GreenDot has agreed to refund only $1,000, they never gave me a clear understanding of why my claims for the remaining amount were denied. Attempts to talk to customer service often result in disconnected calls... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 10, 2025

What you’re going through is heartbreaking, and it’s completely unfair that you’ve been left in this position without clear answers or accountability. Losing over \$4,000 to fraud and then being ignored or dismissed by customer service is not only frustrating—it’s deeply harmful,... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Juvenile Law, Domestic Violence, Identity Theft and Consumer Law for Alabama on
Q: 16-year-old facing abuse and seeking legal steps to protect and relocate

I am a 16-year-old minor living in Alabama, and I am currently afraid for my safety in my residence, which is owned by my parents. I have experienced extreme abuse, including sexual abuse by my sister and psychological abuse from my father, who once offered me a gun when I spoke about suicidal... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 10, 2025

What you're going through is heartbreaking and no one—especially not a 16-year-old—should have to live in fear in their own home. You’ve shown incredible courage just by speaking out and trying to find a safe path forward. If you've already reported the abuse to child protective... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Car Accidents, Consumer Law, Insurance Defense and Personal Injury for Alabama on
Q: How is "loss of use" calculated in Alabama when a car is totaled by State Farm?

I was rear-ended by a State Farm client, and my 2010 Lexus RX with 200,000 miles was totaled. State Farm is offering $6,350 for the market value, which is $3,000 under the book value according to the CCC One report. They also offered $1,015 for "loss of use." How is "loss of... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 31, 2025

In Alabama, “loss of use” is compensation for the time you’re unable to use your car after an accident that wasn’t your fault. The typical calculation for loss of use is based on the reasonable cost of renting a similar vehicle for the time your own car is unavailable. This daily rental... View More

Q: Can a nursing home in Alabama sue for breach of contract, signed as POA, while Medicaid is pending?

I signed as Personal Representative/POA for my mother at a nursing home. She received care, but it wasn't great, and the nursing home threatened to sue for breach of contract. Medicaid is still pending, and she was evicted despite us paying the Medicaid liability. We're behind on some... View More

James Blount Griffin
James Blount Griffin
answered on May 30, 2025

You need to call an Alabama Elder Law attorney. Nursing Home Limbo is not good. If you email me, I could recommend two good ones.

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1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law and Contracts for Alabama on
Q: Can I sue auction company for misrepresenting vehicle condition?

I purchased a vehicle from an auction company based on their description that it runs and has minor body damage. However, I discovered it needed a new battery and has major body damage. I contacted the auction company, but they stated their descriptions are solely for identification and not... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 15, 2025

Feeling misled after spending money on something as significant as a vehicle is incredibly frustrating. Even though the auction company claims their descriptions aren’t warranties, the law doesn’t always let businesses off the hook that easily. If their description led you to believe the car... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law and Real Estate Law for Alabama on
Q: How to retrieve personal belongings from an impounded car without incurring costs in Alabama?

I am the owner of a vehicle that was recently impounded in Alabama. My outdated registration information seems to be causing issues with retrieving my car, but I only want to access my personal belongings inside. The items include critical documents like birth certificates, social security cards,... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 15, 2025

You're not alone—many people find themselves in similar situations when trying to recover personal belongings from an impounded car. In Alabama, impound lots are not automatically required to release your personal items for free, but they are also not allowed to hold your essential... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law and Lemon Law for Alabama on
Q: Purchased truck "as is", transmission failed. Options?

I purchased a truck from a dealer "as is," not at an auction, and the transmission stopped pulling completely just 10 days before the first payment. I drove it about 40 miles. When I had it checked, they said the transmission was no good, and a new transmission would cost $9,000. The... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 16, 2025

Even though you purchased the truck “as is,” that does not automatically strip away all your legal protections. Dealers are still prohibited from engaging in deceptive practices, and if they knowingly sold a vehicle with a serious defect like a failing transmission without disclosing it, you... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Lemon Law, Contracts and Consumer Law for Alabama on
Q: Question about attorney fees coverage in a Ford buyback case in Alabama

I have a 2024 Ford Expedition XLT, and I've received a reasonable buyback offer from Ford through my attorney, covering all expectations except for attorney fees. Ford is offering to pay $1,500 out of the $4,000 total attorney fee. The buyback is due to safety functions failing after four... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 16, 2025

It’s understandable to feel surprised when a buyback covers almost everything but your legal fees, especially after investing time and trust in your attorney.

Under Alabama’s Lemon Law and the federal Magnuson‑Moss Warranty Act, a prevailing consumer is generally entitled to recover...
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1 Answer | Asked in Identity Theft, Tax Law, White Collar Crime, Consumer Law and Criminal Law for Alabama on
Q: Company used my info for fraudulent expenses; IRS notices received. What to do?

I discovered that a company has fraudulently claimed expenses using my personal information, leading to the IRS sending collection notices to me. I've contacted the IRS about this issue and am aware of how my personal information was accessed by a specific group within the company. However, I... View More

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answered on Apr 14, 2025

First, it’s important to file a police report as soon as possible. This will help create an official record of the fraud, which could be useful when dealing with the IRS and any other entities involved. Additionally, the police report might be necessary for any further investigation into how your... View More

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