Scams & Consumer Issues in West Virginia

By CanISueForThis Editorial Team Reviewed by Editorial Team Updated March 21, 2026

Key West Virginia Law

West Virginia Code Section 46A-6-104 (West Virginia Consumer Credit and Protection Act)

West Virginia's Consumer Credit and Protection Act prohibits unfair or deceptive acts or practices in consumer transactions, covering a broad range of misleading conduct, misrepresentation, and fraud.

View official statute

Procedural Details in West Virginia

West Virginia's Consumer Credit and Protection Act (WV Code Section 46A-1-101 et seq.) provides a private right of action under WV Code Section 46A-5-101. Consumers may recover actual damages or $200 (whichever is greater), plus statutory penalties up to $4,000 per violation and attorney fees. The statute of limitations is four years under WV Code Section 46A-5-101(1). The West Virginia AG enforces the Act and may seek civil penalties, injunctions, and restitution. West Virginia requires contractors performing work for $5,000 or more on residential or commercial buildings to hold a contractor license from the West Virginia Contractor Licensing Board under WV Code Section 21-11. Unlicensed contracting is a misdemeanor in West Virginia.

West Virginia Agencies & Resources

West Virginia Attorney General — Consumer Protection Division

Enforces West Virginia consumer protection laws and accepts consumer fraud complaints.

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West Virginia Contractor Licensing Board

Licenses contractors performing work over $5,000 in West Virginia.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What statutory penalties are available under West Virginia's consumer protection law?

In addition to actual damages (minimum $200), West Virginia allows statutory penalties up to $4,000 per violation under WV Code Section 46A-5-101, plus attorney fees. These per-violation penalties can accumulate significantly in cases involving multiple deceptive acts.

What is the statute of limitations for West Virginia consumer fraud?

Four years from the date of the deceptive act under WV Code Section 46A-5-101(1).

Does West Virginia require contractor licensing?

Yes. Contractors performing work of $5,000 or more in West Virginia must hold a license from the Contractor Licensing Board under WV Code Section 21-11. Verify licenses at wvclb.wv.gov before hiring.

How do I report a consumer scam in West Virginia?

File a complaint with the West Virginia Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division at ago.wv.gov. The AG accepts online complaints and investigates patterns of consumer fraud.

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