Index
Washington State Consumer Protection Act
Summary
The Washington Consumer Protection Act broadly outlaws unfair methods of competition and unfair or deceptive acts or practices in the conduct of any trade or commerce.
Rights & Rules
- 01.Businesses cannot engage in deceptive advertising (e.g., 'bait and switch' tactics).
- 02.Businesses cannot form monopolies or secret agreements to fix prices artificially high.
- 03.You are protected against aggressive or harassing debt collection practices that are deemed unfair.
- 04.This law applies to almost all consumer transactions, from buying a car to hiring a contractor.
Penalties
- 01.Consumers can sue for an injunction (to stop the bad behavior) and recover their actual financial damages.
- 02.The court can also award 'treble damages' (up to three times the actual damages, capped at $25,000) plus attorney's fees.
Verified Citations
Revised Code of Washington 19.86.020
Source"Unfair methods of competition and unfair or deceptive acts or practices in the conduct of any trade or commerce are hereby declared unlawful."