Amazon Account Balance Dispute

Summary

Amazons refusal to release funds from your account balance may violate consumer protection laws in West Virginia. These laws protect consumers from unfair practices, including withholding funds without justification. You can file a complaint with the West Virginia Attorney General or consider small claims court if arbitration is not an option. If others face similar issues, a class action lawsuit might be viable. Consider consulting a class action lawyer for guidance. Websites like ClassAction.Org and Avvo can help you find legal representation.

Full Conversation

Here are some general guidelines:
- Consumer Protection Laws: Most states have laws protecting consumers from unfair practices. This might include withholding funds without proper justification.
- Gift Card Regulations: Federal and state laws often regulate gift cards. These laws can dictate how companies must handle funds on a closed account.
Could you specify if you have received any written communication from Amazon regarding the reason for account closure and the funds in the gift card balance?

It is my understanding that under the protection laws it states companies must attempt to return your funds as they do not belong to them and dispite any reason your account was closed . THERFORE I don't believe any issue aside from fraud would even be considered

General Information:
- Consumer Protection Laws in West Virginia: These laws generally protect consumers from unfair practices, including the improper withholding of funds.
- Gift Card Regulations: Federal and state laws often require companies to return funds associated with gift cards, even if an account is closed, unless there is a fraud investigation.

Next Steps:
- Review any written communication from Amazon regarding your account closure and the status of your gift card funds.
- Contact Amazon's customer service to request a detailed explanation and resolution.
Would you like more information on how to escalate this issue further?

Let me correct you , we Te not talking about gift cards . We are talking about Amazon's gift card balance on thete website . In which they allow you to return funds from a order to the balance . Or funds I have added to the balance from cards. It is no longerr a gift card once entered to Amazon's site . It is a balance

Got it, thanks for clarifying! Here’s some general information and potential steps you can take:

General Information:
- Consumer Protection Laws in West Virginia: These laws generally protect consumers from unfair practices, including the improper withholding of funds.
- Gift Card and Account Balance Regulations: Even if funds are transferred to a balance, they are still covered by consumer protection laws.

Next Steps:
- Review Written Communication: Check any emails or messages from Amazon explaining the account closure and funds status.
- Contact Amazon's Customer Service: Request a detailed explanation and a resolution regarding your balance.
Would you like more information on how to escalate this issue further or any specific legal advice?

My closure for my account states it is because I have returned to many items

General Information:
- Consumer Protection Laws in West Virginia: These laws typically protect consumers from unfair practices, including the improper withholding of funds.
- Account Balance Regulations: Even if funds are transferred to an account balance, they are still protected under consumer protection laws.

Next Steps:
*. Review Written Communication: Carefully examine any emails or messages from Amazon detailing the account closure and the status of your funds.
*. Contact Amazon's Customer Service: Request a detailed explanation and resolution regarding your account closure and balance.
Would you like more information on how to escalate this issue legally?

Yes

Case Rating: *.

Next Steps:
*. File a Complaint with the West Virginia Attorney General:
- You can file a consumer complaint if you believe Amazon's action violates state laws.
*. Contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC):
- The FTC handles complaints about unfair business practices.
Would you like guidance on how to file these complaints?

The FTC actually doesn't do anything much like the FDIC . They are false senses of protections and my complaint won't do a thing

It sounds like you’re facing a frustrating situation. If you feel the FTC and FDIC won't help, here are some alternative steps:
- West Virginia Attorney General: File a consumer complaint.
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB): They handle issues related to financial products and services.
- Small Claims Court: Consider taking legal action to reclaim your funds.
Would you like more details on how to proceed with any of these options?

Cfpb is for banking ?

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) generally focuses on financial products and services, including issues related to credit, loans, and banking. While it might not directly oversee online retailers like Amazon, you can still file a complaint if you believe there is a financial aspect to your grievance.
Would you like more information on how to proceed with a small claims court or other options?

Can I charge Amazon a larger amount for violating this right of mine ? For instance . If they owe me * dollars can I sue them for *

You can potentially sue for more than the amount owed if you can prove additional damages or violations of consumer protection laws. Here are some considerations:
- Actual Damages: The amount you are directly owed ($*).
- Punitive Damages: Additional amounts to punish the company for wrongful actions, if applicable.
- Legal Fees: Costs incurred during legal proceedings.
Would you like more information on how to proceed with filing a lawsuit?

What is the absolute most a claim could cost them

In a small claims court, the maximum amount you can sue for in West Virginia is $*,*. However, the court will only award what can be proven as actual damages, punitive damages, and any legal fees incurred.
Would you like more details on how to file a claim in small claims court?

So the fact they have not given me the money in 4 years and also they don't allow me to access my data to get the proof

It sounds like you have a strong case, especially with the prolonged withholding of funds and lack of access to your data. You might have grounds for both actual and potentially punitive damages.
Would you like detailed steps on how to file a claim in small claims court in West Virginia?

Is there somewhere I can file a case pro bono.

You can seek pro bono legal assistance through several avenues:
- Legal Aid of West Virginia: Provides free legal services for eligible low-income residents.
- West Virginia State Bar: Offers a lawyer referral service that may include pro bono options.
Would you like contact information for these services or more details on how to proceed?

That's not even correct. West Virginia actually doesnt have any system in place to help people. They just say that they don't have personally called them for 8 months with no one answering or returning a call

It sounds like you've had a frustrating experience. Here are some steps you can take:
- West Virginia Attorney General: Try filing a consumer complaint online.
- Small Claims Court: Consider filing a claim to reclaim your funds.
Would you like more information on how to proceed with either of these options?

What does the attorney general do ?

The Attorney General's role includes:
- Consumer Protection: Enforces state consumer protection laws and handles consumer complaints.
- Legal Representation: Represents the state in legal matters.
- Public Advocacy: Protects public interests in areas like environmental law, antitrust law, and more.
Would you like more details on how to file a complaint with the West Virginia Attorney General?

So if I contact the attorney general office , would they sue on my behalf or force Amazon to refund me

The West Virginia Attorney General's Office can investigate your complaint and potentially take action against Amazon if they find a violation of consumer protection laws. However, they may not sue on your behalf directly. They can mediate and pressure Amazon to resolve the issue.
Would you like more details on how to file a complaint with the Attorney General’s Office?

Can I arbitrate Amazon

Yes, you can generally arbitrate disputes with Amazon. Here are some points to consider:
- Amazon's Terms of Service: Usually include an arbitration clause requiring disputes to be settled through arbitration rather than court.
- Arbitration Process: Typically faster and less formal than court proceedings.
- Filing a Claim: You can initiate arbitration by following the steps outlined in Amazon's terms.
Would you like more information on how to begin the arbitration process?

Amazon has removed there terms to arbitrate as of late

Amazon's removal of their arbitration clause could work in your favor, opening the door to small claims court.

Next Steps:
*. Review Amazon's Terms of Service: Confirm the removal of the arbitration clause.
*. Filing a Claim in Small Claims Court:
- Gather all relevant documentation (emails, account statements).
- File a claim in West Virginia Small Claims Court.
*. Contact the West Virginia Attorney General: File a consumer complaint online if needed.
Would you like detailed guidance on filing a claim in small claims court?

I don't have money to file small claims

Filing a small claims case usually involves a filing fee, but you might qualify for a fee waiver based on your financial situation.

Next Steps:
*. Fee Waiver Application:
- Visit your local county court's website or office.
- Request and fill out a fee waiver form.
Would you like more details on how to apply for a fee waiver?

Ok what about a class action ?

You might have grounds for a class action if others have experienced similar issues with Amazon. Here’s some general information:
- Class Action Suit: Involves multiple plaintiffs who have suffered similar harm.
- Requirements: Commonality of claims, adequacy of representation, and numerosity of plaintiffs.
- Benefits: Shared legal costs and potentially higher settlement amounts.
Would you like more information on how to find others for a class action or how to start one?

Yes

Here’s how you can proceed with a class action lawsuit:

General Steps:
*. Identify Plaintiffs:
- Find other Amazon users who have faced similar issues (e.g., via online forums or social media).

*. Consult a Class Action Lawyer:
- Class action lawsuits can be complex. Consulting a lawyer experienced in this area is highly recommended.
*. File the Class Action:
- Your lawyer will help file the lawsuit, representing all affected parties.
Would you like contact information for class action lawyers or more details on finding other plaintiffs?

Is there a website to potentially find a lawyer that would take this case as class action

You can find a class action lawyer through various websites. Here are a few options:
- ClassAction.org: Provides information on ongoing class actions and can connect you with lawyers.
- Avvo: Allows you to search for lawyers and read reviews.
- LegalMatch: Matches you with lawyers based on your case details.
Would you like more details on using any of these websites?

Amazon Account Balance Dispute

Summary

Full Conversation

Related Chats