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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,... View More

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... View More

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... View More

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 for Alabama on
Q: Is 89% interest legal on a $700 loan in Alabama?

Is it legal for Security Finance in Decatur, AL to charge 89% interest on a $700 loan? The individual received a check for $700 in the mail and decided to cash it. I'm seeking information about whether this interest rate is permissible under Alabama law.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 6, 2025

In Alabama, interest rates on loans are regulated by state usury laws, which generally limit the maximum rate that lenders can charge. For **small loans like $700**, the legal interest rate depends on the type of lender and whether it is a payday, title, or installment loan. Alabama allows certain... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Identity Theft, Civil Litigation and Consumer Law for Alabama on
Q: What can I do after TransUnion data breach caused loan applications in my name?

I've received a letter from TransUnion informing me that my personal information was leaked in their recent data breach. Since then, I've discovered that my information is being used to apply for loans without my consent, leading to numerous phone calls and a noticeable drop in my credit... View More

Matthew McKenna
Matthew McKenna
answered on Nov 6, 2025

If you haven't done so, you'll likely want to complete a police report and also dispute the inquiries with each credit bureau that is showing the inquiries. Attach the police report as part of your disputes. Also, I would recommend contacting an attorney familiar with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

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1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Contracts and Civil Litigation for Alabama on
Q: How to recover money for a confiscated stolen car bought from a dealership?

I bought a car eight months ago from a dealership. Today, I found out that the car was reported stolen two months before I purchased it. The police have now confiscated the car because of its stolen status. I have all the paperwork from the purchase. What steps can I take to protect myself, and how... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 4, 2025

You did nothing wrong; a thief cannot pass title, so the rightful owner may lawfully recover the car. Your remedy runs against the seller, who owed you the warranty of title under Alabama’s UCC § 2‑312 (generic “as is” language does not avoid it). You can rescind the sale and recover the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Civil Rights and Criminal Law for Alabama on
Q: Do I have privacy rights if my phone usage is monitored?

I've been on a cell phone plan with someone I'm romantically involved with for over a year. I recently discovered that they have been monitoring my phone usage through the LogMeIn app without my consent. Additionally, my previous phone, which was on the same plan, was broken by this... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 3, 2025

Yes, you have privacy rights when it comes to your personal phone usage, even if you are on a shared cell phone plan. Installing or using remote monitoring software like LogMeIn to access your private data or activity without your knowledge or consent can violate both state and federal privacy... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Public Benefits and Civil Rights for Alabama on
Q: Unauthorized $1,200 debit from SSI card by Orion Re-entry without consent in AL

I am in a program called Orion Re-entry, and the director said they take $1,200 from each individual who enters, which will be returned upon program completion. Recently, they added $300 back onto my card, but I found out that $1,200 was taken from my SSI debit card without my consent in 8 ATM... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 17, 2025

What happened to you is serious, and you have every right to take action to protect yourself. No one has the right to take money from your SSI debit card without your written permission, especially when that money is meant for your living expenses. The fact that they withdrew the funds in multiple... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law for Alabama on
Q: Can a utility company hold my daughter responsible for my bill?

I would like to know if a water utility company can hold my daughter responsible for a bill from a previous address which was under my name. My daughter was listed as a tenant on the lease but she never signed any agreements with the utility company. Additionally, she was a minor at the time I... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 16, 2025

Your daughter cannot legally be held responsible for your utility bill if the account was in your name and she never signed any agreement with the company. Utility bills are considered **personal debts**, which means the responsibility lies only with the person who opened the account or agreed to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Lemon Law and Contracts for Alabama on
Q: Is there a grace period to return a car to a dealership in Alabama without penalty?

On 10/14/25, I purchased a brand new vehicle from a Honda dealership in Alabama. I was not informed about any grace period for returning the vehicle, and I haven't fully read the legal documents yet. I plan to contact the dealership this Thursday to bring the title. While I signed a document... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 15, 2025

No—Alabama law does not grant a blanket grace period to return a new car bought at a dealership; once you signed a retail installment contract and took delivery, the sale is generally final. The federal Cooling‑Off Rule does not apply to automobile purchases made at the dealer’s place of... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law and Real Estate Law for Alabama on
Q: Concern about predatory lending in mortgage agreement with deceptive offers and unclear terms.

I believe my mortgage company engaged in predatory lending practices. I kept expressing that I couldn't afford the mortgage, and in response, they offered me a "builder’s discount" of $6,000 and a prepaid Visa card worth $2,000. They claimed my monthly payment would be around $900... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 11, 2025

It sounds like you may have been misled during the mortgage process, and that’s a serious concern. When a lender or broker offers incentives like prepaid cards or discounts to persuade you to sign without fully explaining loan terms, it can fall under predatory or deceptive lending. Not... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Products Liability, Consumer Law, Civil Litigation and Personal Injury for Alabama on
Q: Issues with Clayton Home craftsmanship and design, seeking accountability.

I bought a Clayton Home in 2011 and have experienced numerous issues related to poor craftsmanship and design. The bathroom faucets busted causing water damage; although the faucets and part of a cabinet were replaced, the counter remains swollen and unrepaired. My kitchen cabinets and counters... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 10, 2025

It’s understandable that you feel frustrated after putting your trust and savings into a home that hasn’t lived up to basic standards. When a manufactured home like yours shows signs of poor craftsmanship or design, you still have options for accountability—even years after purchase. The... View More

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