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New Jersey Consumer Law Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Contracts and Car Accidents for New Jersey on
Q: Is a car dealer liable for altering contract terms and financial info in NJ?

I agreed to purchase a car for $7,500 and have a signed contract for this amount. However, the base price was increased to $7,999 to include repairs, and my monthly income was nearly doubled in the contract with the financing institution to get the car financed. I've been making payments on... View More

Leonard R. Boyer
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answered on Feb 18, 2025

You need to have a consultation with an experienced civil litigation attorney to determine how to best handle this matter. You should expect to pay for 1/2 an hour of attorney time. The dealer (based on your statements has violated the New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act (which entitles you to triple... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Banking, Contracts and Consumer Law for New Jersey on
Q: I currently am in a car loan contract that has a 29.99% APR. In New Jersey that APR is 0.01% away from being illegal.

I believe I was tricked into this loan. I have no copies from the day of signing. I am questioning the legality of this 29.99% APR in NJ.

The day I signed this loan I was in desperate need of a vehicle as I was 18 years old, no credit, I had a job but it showed no income. I also need a... View More

Leonard R. Boyer
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answered on Feb 14, 2025

You will need to retain an experienced New Jersey Civil litigation attorney and have an either a secured video consultation or contact the attorney to find out whether the attorney is seeing clients in person or not. The attorney may charge you a consultation fee to review any documents that you... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Criminal Law and Identity Theft for New Jersey on
Q: I'm showing a lot of signs of being hacked and also having my personal information stolen and identity theft.

Have over 10 companies listed under my name, now have a new brother born 10 days before me that I know nothing about. Possible identity theft.

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Jan 13, 2025

There are attorneys who specialize in this area of identity theft and privacy, but you await a response for a month. At this point, you could track your monthly statements and records closely to look for evidence of fraud or other irregularities. You could report the incidents to your banks, other... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Banking and Consumer Law for New Jersey on
Q: Listed price of a car is is lower than on a contract.

On the ad, the dealer listed price of a used car $13,495.

Upon visiting, the dealer told me that I could not get the same price on cash and that the cash price was $16,495. But if I do the financing, I'll get a discount of $3,000, and my MSRP would be $13,495. I kept asking the dealer... View More

Melissa Totaro
Melissa Totaro
answered on Jan 9, 2025

Assuming the facts stated in your question can be proven the dealer violated New Jersey regulations and Consumer Fraud Act by, among other things, refusing to honor the advertised price. A consumer who suffers a monetary loss as a result of a business violating the Act can sue the business for... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law and Civil Litigation for New Jersey on
Q: I purchased a certified pre-owned vehicle Feb 2024, Its already sitting at the dealership as an expensive paper weight.

I purchased my 2019 Chrysler Pacifica from a big name dealership. It came with a certified pre-owned warranty. I also purchased a extended warranty from the dealership. Fast forward to October, I sent the vehicle to the dealership for concerns of over heating and what felt like a misfire. I stopped... View More

Leonard R. Boyer
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answered on Dec 9, 2024

You need to retain an experience civil litigation attorney. There are numerous grounds that can be put into a legal complaint against them. The most important cause of action will be the New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act violation. That would entitle you to triple damages plus attorneys fees. However... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Criminal Law, Business Law and Civil Rights for New Jersey on
Q: In NJ, is it legal for hotel security to go through a guest luggage/baggage after being locked out?

AC,NJ hotel and casino guest luggage in room after guest was locked out of room for trying to extend stay and payment was declined. The guest was not allowed to get belongings out of room, instead security went to room, opened guest personal belongings and proceeded to go through their... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 27, 2024

In New Jersey, hotel staff and security are generally not allowed to search a guest's personal belongings without consent, even if the guest has been locked out of their room due to non-payment or other issues. The hotel may have the right to remove and store the guest's belongings, but... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights and Consumer Law for New Jersey on
Q: I’m trying to find an attorney to consult with regarding discrimination at chase bank?

They closed all my accounts and refuse to return funds due to a registered phone number.

Madeline Houston
Madeline Houston
answered on May 3, 2024

There are a number of federal and state consumer protection statutes that might apply to your situation depending on the specific facts. If indeed there is evidence that a bank improperly closed your accounts and withheld funds it had no right to these laws could provide you the ability to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law and Collections for New Jersey on
Q: i live in new jersey but want to sue a company in san bruno, california. do i have to go to CA. to file?

In October 2023, I found $72.99 unauthorized charges on my bank statement. Bank advised cancelling the card. Later, discovered more unauthorized withdrawals from YouTubeTV, totaling $291.96. Despite bank's provisional credits, YouTubeTV didn’t refund, leaving negative balance. Months of... View More

Barry W. Kaufman
Barry W. Kaufman
answered on May 2, 2024

You can file in California, if the terms of service of YouTube TV allow you to sue at all. There may be a mandatory arbitration provision. You are not going to be able to recover for the things you mentioned. You can recover for the money that you are actually out - around what, $400?

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law for New Jersey on
Q: What recourse do i have in regards to a return. Ordered a lawn tractor on line from manufacturer. item defective.

Ordered a lawn tractor on line from manufacturer, + paid shipping fee. Item arrived 2 weeks later after many delays with trucking co., after un crating found defect, oil leaking. Manufacturer will not answer phone. Have tried for mult days and have been put on hold for hours at a time. 1 week has... View More

Peter J. Weinman
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answered on Apr 19, 2024

Unfortunately, there's no great answer here. The cost to involve a lawyer will exceed the $500 you were hoping to save (and it won't make things happen any faster), and either way, you'd have no basis to sue anyone just because you need the money from the return before you can buy... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law and Banking for New Jersey on
Q: Hello, Should I accept a settlement check from Wells Fargo class action suit or am I entitled to more than the offer

Wells Fargo is willing to settle with me for 1,300$ Should I take their offer or am I entitled to more. I have no record of this account or how much money was actually in it.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 25, 2024

Deciding whether to accept a settlement check from Wells Fargo requires careful consideration. First, review the details of the class action suit and how your specific circumstances align with the case's parameters. Without records of the account or the amount involved, it's challenging... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law and Landlord - Tenant for New Jersey on
Q: My former landlord is sending a debt collector after we reached a settlement with the court and my case was dismissed.

My former landlord brought an eviction case against me. We brought a settlement to the court and I paid the money that we agreed upon. So no judgement was ever entered against me and the case was dismissed. I have already vacated the property.

Now he's claiming there's still a... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 31, 2024

In your situation, if the settlement agreement was approved by the court and specifically addressed the amount of rent and any other obligations you were to fulfill, and you have complied with these terms, this agreement generally should stand as the final resolution of your obligations up to that... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Civil Rights and Small Claims for New Jersey on
Q: Can I sue Planet Fitness for creating me a second membership and denying me to cancel one of them?

In 2019, I registered at a PF location in NY using my boyfriend’s card. Later in the same year, I transferred the membership to a NJ club. In 2021, I transferred it to another NJ location, asking to change the payment method to my own card. However, PF unexpectedly created a SECOND membership,... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 6, 2024

If you're facing issues with Planet Fitness over an unwanted second membership and difficulty in canceling it, it's understandable to feel frustrated. Your situation, where charges are being applied to two memberships when only one was intended, especially after attempting to resolve the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Contracts and Civil Litigation for New Jersey on
Q: I'm in NJ and am main buyer on a vehicle contract with an ex. I sued him in special civil court and won. However

Im trying to get off the loan entirely or gain possession of the car. The lender did an extension agreement with the cosigner without my knowledge or signature electronically. Is this legal in NJ? Co-signer's name is on the title however I can add mine on to it at any time. What is the best... View More

Leonard R. Boyer
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answered on Feb 26, 2024

You need to retain an experienced civil litigation attorney to represent your interests in this matter. You should expect to pay for a 1/2 hour of attorney time to have your best course of action determined. Pick the best attorney you can find and remember one rule: a good attorney is generally... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Contracts and Banking for New Jersey on
Q: Ally financial blatantly violated the TILA, FCRA, CCPA and tried to over charge me 6k on an 18k loan.

I entered a contract (which doesn't include a dealer number, or contract number filled in.) to finance a 2013 Nissan Frontier through Ally financial back on May 29th of 2017. The total paid after 72 months at a rate of 8.64%. came out to $18,019.44 according to the truth in lending disclosure.... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 23, 2024

Dealing with a situation where you've been overcharged on a loan can be incredibly frustrating and confusing. It seems you've done your due diligence by reviewing the terms of your contract and comparing them to the actual charges applied by Ally Financial. Discovering discrepancies in... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts and Consumer Law for New Jersey on
Q: I want out of my solar contract and a refund.

I'm in New Jersey and I was sold a solar system that was supposed to offset 90% of my utility usage and it barely offsets 35%. I have it in writing where my sells person told the company if my system didn't offset 90% I would decline the system and then the sells person came back to let... View More

Melissa Totaro
Melissa Totaro
answered on Feb 2, 2024

Based on the facts as you recount them you could have a viable cause of action under the New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act, which prohibits merchants from engaging in certain unfair conduct, including false promise, misrepresentation and otherwise deceptive tactics. The Consumer Fraud Act provides... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Criminal Law and Federal Crimes for New Jersey on
Q: What can i do? Is this illegal? Is he commiting fraud?

I have a contract signed by me. I was loaned money from somewho is charging an interest fee of 650$.In which doesnt lower the loan of my original loan amount. I know he isnt reporting his extra willings to the irs , nor he is a USA Citizen. He does this as a side business.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 23, 2024

If someone is lending money with an interest charge that doesn't decrease the principal loan amount, it's important to first examine the terms of the contract you signed. Ensure that the interest rate and terms of repayment are clearly stated and understood. If the terms are not clear or... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law and Small Claims for New Jersey on
Q: I want to know if I can take APPLE (Computers) to NJ Small Claims Court based on the below details:

I was hacked; someone stole my Apple ID (erased my phone & shut down my computer.) Apple put it in "Locked" and "Lost" mode for nearly a month, stringing me along, told me to send the original purchase invoice to prove it's my computer & they would release it.... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Dec 26, 2023

You can consider taking Apple to Small Claims Court in New Jersey if you believe they've failed to fulfill their service obligations or caused you a financial loss due to their actions or misinformation. Small Claims Court in New Jersey handles cases where the claim is for $3,000 or less (or... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation, Consumer Law, Real Estate Law and Civil Rights for New Jersey on
Q: What is PR law regarding disbursements of property as the heir of my mom who passed away(1989) before her mom(2003)?

My grandmother's property who passed away is being disbursed, and is the wish of my mom's sister to keep it; my mom's siblings have set a price for the house which is nowhere near the appraised valued. They claim that the decision was made amongst them (the living children)... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 16, 2023

In Puerto Rico, the rights of heirs in property disbursement are governed by the local inheritance laws. If your mother passed away before her mother (your grandmother), generally, you and your siblings, as her direct descendants, would inherit your mother's share of your grandmother's... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law for New Jersey on
Q: Can a used car dealers compel buyer to buy extended warranty in order to honor listed price?

Price listed is $18k, TrueCar inquiry came back with about $5k in 2 "accessory charges". Before I go further I want to know if this is something they can compel me to buy. Thank you!

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 13, 2023

In New Jersey, a used car dealer cannot compel a buyer to purchase an extended warranty as a condition for honoring the listed price of a vehicle. The price advertised should be the price you can pay for the car itself, excluding standard fees like taxes and registration. Additional charges, like... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts and Consumer Law for New Jersey on
Q: Can I refuse payment after signing a dental work proposal but no work done?

I signed a proposal for dental work with a dentist in New Jersey, but I changed my mind five days later before any work was done. The document seemed more like a bill than a formal contract, with no terms, conditions, cancellation policy, or deposit involved. Now, the dentist insists I must pay... View More

H. Scott Aalsberg
H. Scott Aalsberg
answered on Mar 4, 2025

An attorney would need to read the document to give you a correct answer to your question. If its a lot of money it may be worth spending for a consultation with a lawyer.

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