FAQs Listing

NOTICE: These statements are not intended to serve as legal advice and should not be relied upon as such.

Do I have a grace period to cancel contracts or other purchase agreements?

Generally, you do not have a right to cancel contracts or purchase agreements. Federal law does provide for grace periods in certain limited circumstances. For instance, under federal law, you may have a three-day recission period on home equity loans. To learn more about this right, go to http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/alerts/3dayalrt.htm. Federal law also provides for a three-day cooling off period for sales of $25 or more made at your home or at a place that is not the business's permanent place of business. To learn more about this right, go to http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/buying/cooling.pdf.

I bought a car "as is" and it has been giving me problems ever since I drove it off the lot. Can I get my money back?

No. When a vehicle is purchased "as is," it means the seller is not liable for anything that is wrong with it. Alabama's lemon law does not apply to used cars.

If I pay for a pre-need burial arrangement, does state law require that the seller hold the money in a trust fund for me until the time comes to provide the burial?

Generally, yes. For pre-need contracts written on or after May 1, 2002, unless the pre-need contract is funded by a life insurance policy, the funds must be placed in trust. The pre-need laws are enforced by the Alabama Department of Insurance. A copy of the law is available at http://www.legislature.state.al.us/CodeOfAlabama/1975/154055.htm. You may also contact the Alabama Department of Insurance at 334-269-3550.

Who regulates companies that provide cable television service?

The State of Alabama does not regulate cable television providers. You may want to contact your local municipality and/or county to find out if they have any regulatory requirements for cable television providers.

Do stores have to give refunds if I change my mind about something I bought?

No. Your ability to return the product is dependent on the store's return/refund policy.

If I rent an apartment, are there state laws that say what my landlord must do?

The Alabama Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act became effective January 1, 2007 (except for Section 35-9A-163(b), which will become effective January 1, 2008). You can access a copy of this law at the Secretary of State's site.

I am considering hiring a contractor to make repairs on my home. What should I know?

There are many things you need to consider when hiring a contractor. To learn more about hiring a contractor, please read this brochure: http://www.familyprotection.alabama.gov/consumer_homerepair.cfm.

I have received notification that I have won the international lottery or sweepstakes. Should I send them money for taxes for fees? Should I cash the check or money order they have sent me to cover these costs?

No. International lotteries and sweepstakes are scams. In fact, it is illegal for you to participate in a foreign lottery. The checks or money orders you receive in the mail are most likely fraudulent, and you will have to pay the bank back for the money you sent to the scam artists. For more information on these scams, go to this website: http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/alerts/intlalrt.pdf.

I have been contacted and told that I am eligible for a free government grant. Should I give the company my personal information and/or pay them a fee to apply for the grant?

No. Never give your personal information to someone who contacts you out of the blue offering you a free government grant. If you give this person your personal information, the person may use it to steal your identity. Do not pay a person any fee for a grant. Grants are free--they do not require you to pay a fee to receive them.

I have been told that I can qualify for a loan, but I need to pay an advance fee to get the loan. Should I pay this fee?

No. If you are asked to mail, wire, or otherwise send in any prepaid fee, you will likely never receive a loan. For more information on these types of scams, go to http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/tmarkg/loans.pdf.

I have been contacted and asked to help someone cash checks or process inheritance money. In return for cashing the check or money order and wiring the money back to the person, I will be able to keep a percentage of the money. Should I participate in this money-making opportunity?

No. These deals are inevitably scams. By the time your bank returns the check or money order as fraudulent, you will already have wired the money to the scam artist. You will have to repay the bank for this money, and the money you wired will likely be picked up in another country and will never be recovered.

A company has approached me and told me that it can erase my debts. Should I use this service?

No. These companies will tell you that they can simply erase your debt by sending the right type of letter, and they wil charge you a high fee to do it. These strategies do not work, an dyou may end up in a worse position than when you started. If you are having trouble paying your debts, you may want to use a credit counseling service. You should be careful when choosing such a service. For tips on choosing credit counselors, go to http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/credit/debt.pdf.

I want to file a complaint about an insurance company. Who should I contact?

The Alabama Department of Insurance takes complaints about insurance companies. Call 334-269-3550 or go to http://www.aldoi.gov/Consumers/FileComplaint.aspx.

I want to file a complaint about a real estate agent. Who should I contact?

You should contact the Alabama Real Estate Commission at 334-242-5544 or visit their website at http://www.arec.state.al.us.

I want to file a complaint about a bank. Who should I contact?

You should contact the Alabama Banking Department at 334-242-3452 or visit their website at http://www.banking.alabama.gov.

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