What can be done if I was lied to about thevalue of an item thatI purchased?
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What can be done if I was lied to about thevalue of an item thatI purchased?
I went to a store that pulled up a website that said a product was worth $500. He sold it to me for $450. On the bottom of the receipt it says, “No refunds”. When I got back home, I found out on other sites that listed it for $40.
Asked on November 26, 2011 under General Practice, California
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 13 years ago | Contributor
IF you can show that fraud was committed--that you were intentionally lied to about a key or material fact (like price)--you may be able to sue for either damages (monetary compensation, such as the difference in value) or to rescind the transaction (give back the item, get back your money). The fact that other sites list the item for lower does not, however, by itself mean that you were defrauded--if the product does retail in some locations for $500, give or take, it may well be "worth" that much even if you could elsewhere get it much lower. Therefore, you most likely would need more evidence than simply that it is available elsewhere for less to prove your case.
Also, you will have to sue to get your money if the store will not voluntarily return it. You could try suing in small claims court, where you could represent yourself and filing fees are low, to make it more affordable to try.
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