What is the statute of limitations for consumer fraud lawsuits?

In the state of Washington, the statute of limitations for a consumer fraud lawsuit is three years. This means that a person can file a lawsuit or initiate an action based on a claim of consumer fraud within three years of the fraudulent activity taking place. The three year limit is set by state law, as this is typically the amount of time a person is given to file a lawsuit. This limitation also applies to civil and criminal cases. A statute of limitation is important because it prevents someone from bringing forth an outdated claim. After three years, the statutory period will run out, and the claim of consumer fraud will be time-barred. Since the statute of limitations varies by state, it is important that the plaintiff is aware of their home state’s time limit. In Washington, the three year limitation is set in the Revised Code of Washington 60.16.040. This rule can also be waived in certain circumstances. If a person was not aware of the fraud being committed until more than three years after it happened, they may be able to bring forth a claim and get a ruling from a court of law. It is also important to understand that a person may not have to sue to have the fraud resolved. Other methods include filing a complaint with the Washington State Department of Consumer Protection or with the FTC.

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