Recourse for a Bad-Faith Trade Involving Misrepresented Goods

Attorney Answer

You likely have two possible legal theories here — breach of an oral contract and common-law misrepresentation — and because there's no written agreement, proving what the trade's terms actually were will be central to any claim.

Since there doesn't appear to be signed paperwork, your case depends on establishing the agreed terms through other evidence: text messages, any witnesses to the trade, or the other party's conduct at the time. If you filed or file a police report, that could also support a separate theft-by-deception angle, since your account suggests you were misled about the shotguns' condition to induce the trade. A general consumer-protection claim likely does not apply here, since those protections generally target unfair practices by a business engaged in trade or commerce, not a one-off private trade between individuals. Given the modest value difference involved, small claims court is a practical venue that doesn't require an attorney or a large filing fee.

Under RCW § 4.16.080, claims based on an unwritten contract must generally be filed within three years, and that clock runs from the date of the trade.

What you can do:

1. Gather any texts, messages, or witnesses that can establish what was agreed to during the trade.

2. File a police report if you haven't already, to document the transaction and support a possible theft-by-deception claim.

3. File in small claims court for the value difference between your car and the working shotguns you were promised.

4. Keep the shotguns and any documentation of their condition as evidence.

⏱ Time limits apply. Washington allows only three years from the date of the trade to sue on an oral contract. Have a local attorney or small claims clerk confirm exactly how much time remains before you proceed.