Unfair and Deceptive Practices
Ala. Code § 8-19-10 — actual damages or $100, up to three times that, and a written demand 15 days before suing
- Passing off goods or services as someone else's, or confusing buyers about who makes or approves them.
- Claiming qualities, uses or approvals goods or services do not have, or selling used or reconditioned goods as new.
- Advertising goods or services with intent not to sell them as advertised.
Who handles this in Alabama: Alabama Attorney General, Consumer Interest Division and Alabama Public Service Commission, Consumer Services; and legal aid programs, lawyer referral and the state offices, listed in the Alabama directory.
| A consumer harmed may recover | Amount |
|---|---|
| A consumer harmed may recoverDamages | AmountActual damages or $100, whichever is greater |
| A consumer harmed may recoverIn the court's discretion | AmountUp to three times actual damages |
| A consumer harmed may recoverOn winning | AmountCosts and a reasonable attorney's fee |
A demand first. At least 15 days before filing, a written demand for relief naming the claimant and describing the practice and the injury goes to the business. A suit the court finds frivolous or in bad faith costs the one who brought it the other side's fees.
A suit is brought within one year after the practice is or reasonably should have been discovered, and no more than four years after the transaction, with a different limit for a contract or warranty of more than three years.
Sources for this section (3)
- Ala. Code § 8-19-5 — Unlawful Trade Practices
- Ala. Code § 8-19-10 — Private Right of Action
- Ala. Code § 8-19-14 — Statute of Limitations
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Alabama attorney.