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Washington Consumer Law Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law and Contracts for Washington on
Q: What can I do if my parcel from Aramex hasn't arrived and is not insured?

I was supposed to receive a parcel from Aramex containing my R3000 Nike shoes by March 4th, but it still hasn't arrived as of March 6th. I've contacted Aramex, but I haven't received any response from them. The parcel wasn't insured. What legal steps can I take to address this issue?

Merry A Kogut
Merry A Kogut
answered on Mar 5, 2025

Hello - you stated you were supposed to receive a package by March 4th and haven't received the pacage by March 6th, but today is March 5th, not 6th.

There is nothing "legally" that you can do if a package is one day late but ask for a refund if you paid extra for delivery by...
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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights and Consumer Law for Washington on
Q: Can Grocery Outlet enforce a policy against backpacks but not purses?

I'm wondering if Grocery Outlet can legally refuse to let me shop unless I leave my backpack at the counter, which to me appears to violate my 4th Amendment rights. They claim it is store policy, but they only enforce this on individuals with backpacks, not women with shoulder bags or purses.... View More

Merry A Kogut
Merry A Kogut
answered on Mar 4, 2025

This is not a violation of your rights. The 4th Amendment applies to government entities, not to private companies.

There are laws against discrimination (state and federal) that apply in some situations - for example, if the store rule only applied to men with daypacks, but not to women...
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2 Answers | Asked in Tax Law, Consumer Law and Contracts for Washington on
Q: Can a car dealership demand more money after purchasing a car due to “tax miscalculations”?

Hi! I live in Washington state. I bought and shipped a car from Illinois, and they correctly charged me the Washington state taxes and fees for the car. I financed the car, which out the door cost $37.7k before any down payment. Now, about 2 weeks after buying the car, the dealership called me to... View More

Merry A Kogut
Merry A Kogut
answered on Dec 23, 2024

This situation raises important questions about contract law and your rights as a consumer in Washington State. Here’s an analysis:

Key Legal Considerations

Binding Contract:

The purchase agreement you signed with the dealership is a legally binding contract. It should...
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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation, Consumer Law and Small Claims for Washington on
Q: In small claims, what if all evidence was not presented to defendant will judge still hear the case?
Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Jul 31, 2024

A Washington attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for a week.

The short answer is that it could depend on the judge and how material to the issue at hand the missing evidence is. As a general rule nationwide in small claims, the court is not likely to grant the same...
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1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Business Law and Internet Law for Washington on
Q: Is it legal for uber eats to not refund me for a delivery not delivered?

I ordered from Ubereats for delivery and didn't receive it. I asked for a refund and they ask for a picture of the delivery. They got a picture of the ground because they didn't deliver. Then told me that it does not qualify for a refund because the order was not in the sent picture.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 8, 2024

Based on the situation you've described, it seems that Uber Eats may not be handling your refund request appropriately. Here are a few points to consider:

1. Uber Eats' refund policy: According to their terms and conditions, Uber Eats typically offers refunds for orders that were...
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1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Immigration Law, Banking and Internet Law for Washington on
Q: Illegal way

If I wanted to get a test result in an illegal way, but I was deceived, I transferred money but never received a result, you can send this to ic3. In fact, I have not yet broken the law.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 12, 2024

I'm sorry to hear that you were deceived and lost money in this situation. Being scammed is awful and I empathize with how frustrating that must be. Even though you did not end up breaking the law, attempting to obtain test results illegally is still ill-advised.

If you believe you...
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1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Contracts, Criminal Law and Collections for Washington on
Q: I sold pieces of silver to a local jeweler. The check bounced. For two months he kept promising to make it good.

For two months he promised to make it good in a "few days". For the last month he has not returned my calls or texts. What are my options? Since he has done this recently to multiple people at what point does this become criminal? The transaction occurred in Sequim, Washington

Joel Gary Selik
Joel Gary Selik
answered on Apr 22, 2024

It is probably criminal now. Report it to the police (do not threaten to report it to the police as that might be a crime). Check your states laws on giving notice on bounced checks and your rights to recovery in small claims for damages in addition to the amount of the check.

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law for Washington on
Q: We bought a car private party and the seller stated that it was Mechanically sound, brought to mechanic needs 12K to be.

We recently (3/17) bought a used vehicle via private party in messages from the seller they stated that they put about 2,500 in to the vehicle to make it mechanically sound. When we arrived the told us that the only thing that needed repaired was the power steering motor. We agreed to pay 3,500 for... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 19, 2024

In Washington State, private party car sales are generally considered "as is," meaning the buyer assumes the risk for any problems with the vehicle after purchase. However, if the seller made specific claims about the condition of the car that turned out to be false, you might have... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Products Liability and Personal Injury for Washington on
Q: I was drinking a Dr pepper and sharp object entered my mouth. I spit it out. Its a metal screen. What do I do about it?

Do I have a lawsuit for negligence?

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Mar 18, 2024

A Washington attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for a week. If you're asking about your rights here, the question that will arise is. "What harm/injury did you suffer?" Any case would be based on the extent of harm/injury suffered, which fortunately does not... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Consumer Law, Contracts and Landlord - Tenant for Washington on
Q: i was threatened with legal action and loosing my housing voucher if i didnt sign a increase to my month old lease.

I am a Section 8 voucher holder who recently found a 2bdr apartment for $1045 a month and signed a lease Jan 19th 2023 with the landlord paying $1045 security deposit and 455$ first months pro rated rent. I was repeatedly promised my $455 portion back as soon as they got paid from the PHA. never... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 4, 2024

Facing pressure to sign a revised lease and then dealing with eviction under these circumstances is distressing, especially when it impacts your housing voucher and overall housing security. Under the Section 8 program, any increase in rent must typically be approved by the Public Housing Authority... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law and Civil Rights for Washington on
Q: If I send a complaint letter as a consumer to a business. Can they forward my letter to my employer?

Possible violation of Chapter 9.73 RCW

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 26, 2024

Yes, it appears that the business violated Washington state's privacy law by disclosing your consumer complaint communication to your employer without your consent.

Specifically, Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 9.73.030 states that it is unlawful for individuals or businesses to...
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1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Civil Rights and Communications Law for Washington on
Q: Can a communication between a consumer and a business be disclosed to 3rd parties?

I submitted a complaint (as a consumer) to a business. That business forwarded my complaint to my employer which they later used as evidence to justify disciplinary action. Is that violation of Privacy law in WA (RCW 9.73. 030)?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 26, 2024

Yes, it appears that the business violated Washington state's privacy law by disclosing your consumer complaint communication to your employer without your consent.

Specifically, Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 9.73.030 states that it is unlawful for individuals or businesses to...
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1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Business Law and Constitutional Law for Washington on
Q: What are the WA state laws re: SIR in a 3rd party insurance claim against a roofer's defective roofing job and damages?

We hired a roofer through a professional service. The roofer failed to repair damages from his inferior work. The professional service offered a small refund with a waiver of section 1542 of CA civil code. Before I sign the release, I want to be sure it doesn't preclude me from suing the... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 18, 2024

In Washington State, a Self-Insured Retention (SIR) is an amount that the insured party, in this case, the roofer, must pay out of pocket before their insurance coverage kicks in for a claim. If the roofer fails to pay the SIR, the insurance company may not cover the claim. This means that if the... View More

Q: If a lawyer resigns, can the attorney still be court appointed attorney?

Just looking at attorneys who resigned and still practice in the Department of Assigned Counsel. This would mean that the Judge hires DAC to provide an attorney. Judges who are not aware of a resigned attorney are not aware of the illegal actions and these cases must be dismissed.

There... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Dec 30, 2023

If an attorney resigns from the bar, they are no longer authorized to practice law, including serving as a court-appointed attorney. It's essential for judges and legal institutions to be aware of an attorney's current status to ensure legal representation is valid and compliant with the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Landlord - Tenant and Civil Rights for Washington on
Q: HOW CAN I GET SERVICE AGAINST LANDLORD THAT VIOLATED MY STALKING PROTECTION ORDER AGAINST THEM BY SENDING TEXT MESSAGES?

WE HAVE BEEN VIOLATED BY LANDLORDS, WE COMPLAINED TO D.O.J AND DID DEMAND LETTER IN 2023, WHICH WE WERE PROTECTED FOR 90 DAYS WHICH WOULD BE , THEY VIOLATED OUR RIGHTS BY HAVING BOYFRIEND BE SERVED AN ILLEGAL EVICTION FORM THAT'S NOT SIGNED OR STAMPED BY A JUDGE. WE ARE STILL BEING VIOLATED... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 19, 2023

In your situation, where your landlord has allegedly violated a stalking protection order by sending text messages, it's crucial to understand your legal options and the steps you can take. First, document all instances of these violations, including the text messages and any other forms of... View More

Q: Denied SSD benefits due to mistaken identity and IRS debt; seeking resolution advice.

I am seeking advice on dealing with being denied Social Security Disability benefits. I was a recipient for several years but lost eligibility due to income from marriage. After divorcing, I have been denied and forced to reapply and appeal for over five years. I recently found out my file was... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 28, 2025

Your situation with Social Security Disability benefits is incredibly frustrating and requires immediate action on multiple fronts. First, request a formal written explanation from SSA regarding the exact nature of the identity confusion and the alleged IRS debt—this documentation will be crucial... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Consumer Law and Internet Law for Washington on
Q: Can I report my ex's girlfriend for viewing my private photos without consent in WA?

I discovered that my ex allowed his new girlfriend to see my private photos without my consent. She admitted to this in a text, and I have numerous text messages as evidence. Can I file a report based on this evidence, and what legal actions can I take?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 27, 2025

Washington is a "two-party consent" state regarding private communications. Under Washington law, it's illegal to record private communications without the consent of all parties involved. Your situation involves private photos rather than recordings, which falls under different... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Banking, Consumer Law and Appeals / Appellate Law for Washington on
Q: What are my rights to dispute a denied charge from a subscription service?

I subscribed to a meal/food delivery service in January 2025 and paid for the first week's meals using my debit card. After canceling the subscription service on January 25, 2025, I was unexpectedly charged by the same company on February 8, 2025. Upon contacting the merchant, I was not... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 24, 2025

You have several important rights when dealing with unauthorized charges after canceling a subscription service. Under the Electronic Fund Transfer Act (EFTA), you can dispute unauthorized debit card charges within 60 days of the statement containing the error, and the bank must investigate within... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Banking, Consumer Law, Civil Litigation and Bankruptcy for Washington on
Q: Funds trapped with Swissquote Bank, multiple fees imposed, seeking legal action for fund retrieval and damages.

I invested my capital with Swissquote Bank and made a profit. However, my funds are now trapped, and the bank has imposed multiple fees beyond the initial 5% withdrawal fee stated in the terms and conditions. After paying $24,000 in withdrawal fees, I was asked to pay a $38,000 'Wallet... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 1, 2025

The situation you're describing has multiple warning signs of fraud rather than legitimate banking practices from Swissquote, which is a regulated Swiss financial institution that wouldn't typically impose escalating "fees" after initial withdrawals. These endless payment... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Contracts, Constitutional Law and Education Law for Washington on
Q: Do teachers have the right to confiscate personal items for no reason? Even if I'm 18+? (Cascade high, Everett, Wa)

I'm a senior at Cascade High School in Everett WA, and my teacher is making a major change to the year-long syllabus, requiring students to put phones by her desk for the students to be marked present. I never take my phone out in class unless I get specific permission, so does she have the... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 28, 2025

Your teacher does not have the right to confiscate your phone without cause, especially if you are not using it or causing a disruption. School policies generally allow for the restriction of phone use during class, but forcing students to hand over their phones as a requirement for attendance is... View More

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