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North Carolina Consumer Law Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law and Contracts for North Carolina on
Q: I have several late payments on my mortgage, and it has effected my credit score.. I am wondering if these are removable
Lynn Ellen Coleman
Lynn Ellen Coleman
answered on Apr 7, 2024

You cannot force a bank to remove accurate remarks about your payment history. This is a theme pushed by so called "credit repair" companies. You may be able to talk them into changing the reporting, but that's doubtful.

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law for North Carolina on
Q: Should I send my bank records to a business regarding a refund or should they have to prove the transaction?

The business agrees that I should receive the refund but it has been 10 months and I haven't. Now they are demanding that I turn over my bank records to them. I feel like I shouldn't have to turn over all my banking activity to complete strangers.

Lynn Ellen Coleman
Lynn Ellen Coleman
answered on Mar 8, 2024

It depends upon the nature of your dispute. More details are needed. If they want your bank records to prove that you paid for their goods or services, send the, that one month statement and redact (black out) the account number and all other transactions except for that one purchase.

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law for North Carolina on
Q: I received the following voicemail. Then my wife received the same message from a different number. Then my ex-wife.

Hello this message is intended for (my name). My name is Adriana Martinez I'm calling out of the civil dispatch office to notify you legal documents are scheduled to be dispatched out to your location (my street address but no city or state. House is for sale and vacant) if you will be... View More

Lynn Ellen Coleman
Lynn Ellen Coleman
answered on Mar 3, 2024

This is a scam. A scammer bought your information from the dark web. The Sheriff does not call before serving a summons and complaint, and it is not called the "civil dispatch office". Call the non emergency number of your Sheriff's department tomorrow to confirm this.

1 Answer | Asked in Banking, Business Law, Consumer Law and Contracts for North Carolina on
Q: What are the interest and late fee laws in NC on invoices specifically?
T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Nov 10, 2023

A late fee can only be charged on an invoice if the payment is more than 30 days past due. However, the parties to a contract may agree to a different grace period.

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law and Contracts for North Carolina on
Q: My gym cancelled my membership because they said I was doing something outside the gym but not related to my membership.

I went to work out yesterday. The gym operator said, without and evidence or truth, the operator said he had spoken to several "families" and i was involved in some kind of behavior he didn't like. When I asked what that behavior was he refused to explain or tell me who he had spoken... View More

Lynn Ellen Coleman
Lynn Ellen Coleman
answered on Oct 24, 2023

This is very difficult to answer because we cannot see your membership contract. There are no laws regulating gym memberships in North Carolina other than one saying the maximum length is three years, and the contract must cleary disclose the right to cancel and how to cancl - for the buyer (not... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Civil Rights and Banking for North Carolina on
Q: Repossession by Bank of America with no notice had scheduled payment to make current that drafts Monday

Repossession by Bank of America with no notice had scheduled payment to get account current but bc it was weekend wouldn’t process until Monday. Also it was seen the repo people broke into car after the fact I’m in nc maybe goal is reinstatement of loan

I called immediately and was told... View More

Lynn Ellen Coleman
Lynn Ellen Coleman
answered on Oct 15, 2023

A lawyer needs to see the car loan agreement in order to accurately answer your question. In general, the lender is not required to give you advance notice of a repossession. Repossession from a public area is not illegal. Repossession on a Saturday is not illegal. Most likely, if you were late on... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law for North Carolina on
Q: Best way to find a local attorney to sue the moving company that took advantage of my mother and I in a NC move.

3 page list items missing and damaged, Overcharges and mental torment.

T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Oct 11, 2023

In North Carolina, if you're seeking to take legal action against a moving company, start with the North Carolina Bar Association's lawyer referral service to find a qualified attorney. Additionally, you can explore online directories like Avvo or Martindale-Hubbell for ratings and... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law for North Carolina on
Q: Can a company charge an inspection fee on a propane tank that I am renting. It’s their tank.
Lynn Ellen Coleman
Lynn Ellen Coleman
answered on Sep 24, 2023

It depends upon what your rental contract says. It's not possible for any attorney to answer this question without reviewing your contract. I'm sorry to be so vague. They may be entitled to inspect it periodically and charge a fee to make sure that nothing has been tampered with.

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law for North Carolina on
Q: I live in a D. R. Horton mobile home. It's been ravaged with water damage. I'm in debt now. Can I join this suit?

The home is made of masonite. I only recently found out this is irreparable after using 3 credit cards to fix the siding, roof, and windows. My doors are warped and I can't afford to get this place energy efficient. I've got mold and the mold has made given me brain fog, increased bodily... View More

Lynn Ellen Coleman
Lynn Ellen Coleman
answered on Sep 7, 2023

You do not provide any information about the lawsuit you want to join. I am aware there are some class actions against that builder for their stick built homes pending in states other than North Carolina, and if you were a member of that class you would have been notified once the class is... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law for North Carolina on
Q: I have a consumer law question trying to figure out what the law is for purchasing a vehicle and it not being any good

Even if it didn't have a warranty. My daughter purchased a car well a truck for 13,000. They drove it one day. The transmission went out three weeks later. They got it back. They drove it one day and the differential is about to fall out. I'm trying to figure out if there is a law in... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Aug 30, 2023

Almost all new vehicles in the United States are sold with a warranty. The terms and conditions of the warranty govern your daughter’s rights and the manufacturer’s obligations. Most such warranties require the manufacturer to make necessary repairs within a reasonable time. Many states have... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law for North Carolina on
Q: Is it legal for Lowes (or their delivery agent) to charge me a $3300 storage fee without prior notice or authorization?

Dear Attorney,

I bought kitchen cabinets in March, which the manufacturer shipped to Lowes' delivery agent around May 1. They were intended to be installed in June, but due to ongoing construction delays we have had to reschedule the delivery date several times, most recently to... View More

Lynn Ellen Coleman
Lynn Ellen Coleman
answered on Aug 29, 2023

The paperwork you signed probably says that you must pick up the cabinets upon notice of delivery or something to that effect. There is no law saying that they cannot charge a storage fee or that they have to disclose it to you beforehand. You should seek out alternative locations to store them if... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Lemon Law and Small Claims for North Carolina on
Q: Can I keep progressive from cutting a total loss check to the but here pay here lender who has now sold the contract?

My sister bought a car at a buy here pay here lot in Waynesville, NC.

It was totaled on July 24th. Dealer notified who agreed to write off any amount owed as long as it was close to her payoff $3800. He then told Progressive her payoff was $4500.

Nevertheless, 8 days later a third... View More

Lynn Ellen Coleman
Lynn Ellen Coleman
answered on Aug 22, 2023

YOU can't do anything about this unless you have a power of attorney from your sister. Your sister needs to demand written proof from the third party finance company who claims they hold the contract, by getting their name, mailing address and loan number and mailing them a letter asking for... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Collections and Consumer Law for North Carolina on
Q: How many times can a credit card company call you in a day for a past-due payment?
T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Aug 18, 2023

Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) in North Carolina and the U.S., credit card companies are generally prohibited from engaging in harassing or excessive communication with consumers. While there's no specific limit on the number of times they can call in a day, they must... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Contracts and Construction Law for North Carolina on
Q: What type of Lawyer can help us with a bad Pool construction/install job?

We had a bad 24' round above ground salt water pool installed. The contract shows a 1 year warranty for workmanship. The owner refuses to contact us or remedy the defective pool construction. We paid over 10K and the pool is falling a part. The liner fell out within the first season, which was... View More

Lynn Ellen Coleman
Lynn Ellen Coleman
answered on Aug 17, 2023

Unfortunately it sounds like the warranty has expired. You need to find a lawyer experienced with consumer cases and construction cases to review the contract you signed and get the specific facts from you. Unless you have proof of defects appearing in the first year and that you brought these... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law for North Carolina on
Q: If my vehicle has been to a number of AAMCO franchises that haven't fixed it - should we pursue corporate or franchise?

Transmission in our converted short bus (essentially our home) was originally rebuilt in Meza, AZ in May 2022. 14 months later, the vehicle has been to 3 shops (Mesa, AZ; Fort Collins, CO; and Gastonia, NC) and rebuilt 3 times. The transmission hasn't been road ready/functional for more than 2... View More

Lynn Ellen Coleman
Lynn Ellen Coleman
answered on Jul 25, 2023

Unfortunately, this is impossible to answer without reviewing the purchase and installation order for the original AAMCO transmission and the accompanying warranty plus the repair/work orders for each subsequent rebuild and accompanying warranty, if any. You need to take these documents to an... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Contracts and Real Estate Law for North Carolina on
Q: What type of lawyer is needed to fight Living in unhealthy unhabitable living conditions with disabled son

I don't live in public housing and it's continued for 3yrs and 2 violations

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Jul 19, 2023

A North Carolina attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for a week. It would be a landlord-tenant attorney. There is a section here for that area of practice. Although not every question here is ultimately picked up, you could repost and add L-T as a category. Good luck

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts and Consumer Law for North Carolina on
Q: I have a vehicle, loan and contract through US AUTO sales. They closed. Filed bankruptcy. A debt collector.

Has taken over the contracts. warranties are now and never was valid. No Gap Insurance because US AUTO sales didn't pay for the warranties or Gap. What can I do? US AUTO sales Is In breach of contract In many ways. I was paying debt collector but not sure what to do. Can't get copies of... View More

Lynn Ellen Coleman
Lynn Ellen Coleman
answered on Jul 13, 2023

US Auto Sales has gone out of business, you cannot contact them any more. You need to keep making your car payment to preserve your credit. Send a letter in writing to the company who claims they took over the loan and request copies of all relevant documents as well as a copy of the loan payment... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law and Civil Litigation for North Carolina on
Q: Does the statue of limitations restart just because the credit company has filed a lawsuit?

Their initial civil lawsuit was submitted in 2021 but their request for default judgment against me was denied by the judge. They have requested an appeal to the denial of the judgment request and that is still pending even though the time barred started in 2023. Can the lawsuit get dismissed after... View More

Lynn Ellen Coleman
Lynn Ellen Coleman
answered on Jul 12, 2023

The filing date of the lawsuit controls the statute of limitation and it has been preserved while on appeal even though so many years has passed. Therefore, if the lawsuit was filed prior to the day the statute of limitation passed, it was filed on time, and it remains filed on time now. Good luck.

2 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law, Small Claims and Contracts for North Carolina on
Q: I was wondering if we sign a contract for 5 years of services after 3 months ask to cancel do still pay the rest??

Had it canceled the first year and now they want the rest of it.

Lynn Ellen Coleman
Lynn Ellen Coleman
answered on Jun 1, 2023

An attorney would have to actually review the contract you signed to accurately answer this question. In general, many service contracts for a number of years have conditions that say you cannot cancel early, or if you do cancel early there is a penalty of some sort. Most likely you do owe them... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law and Construction Law for North Carolina on
Q: My elderly mother had a walk-in shower installed. Work was non- ADA compliant, not code, and horrible quality.

Had to be torn out and replaced by another company.

First company is an LLC. No written contract. Estimate only. Checks were payable to the owner's name.

Can she sue the LLC in small claims court?

Should she sue the individual who is the LLC owner and to whom the checks were payable?

Lynn Ellen Coleman
Lynn Ellen Coleman
answered on Apr 4, 2023

Is your mother willing to go to court personally and argue her case? Is the owner/representative of company number 2 willing to attend small claims court with her and testify against company no 1? Are your mother and the representative of company no. 2 willing to travel to the county where bad LLC... View More

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