What Is the Statute of Limitations for Fraud in West Virginia?

In West Virginia, the statute of limitations for fraud is generally 2 years under W. Va. Code § 55-2-12.

2 YEARS
Fraud · West Virginia
✓ Verified Checked Sep 2026

Fraud Deadlines in West Virginia

How long do you have to file a fraud claim in West Virginia?

In West Virginia, the statute of limitations for fraud is generally 2 years under W. Va. Code § 55-2-12.

When does the clock start for fraud in West Virginia?

Two years from when the fraud was discovered or reasonably should have been discovered.

Can the West Virginia deadline for fraud be extended?

Two years is short for a fraud claim by national standards. Fraud tied to a written contract may implicate the ten-year § 55-2-6.

Is the deadline different if the claim is against the government in West Virginia?

Often, yes. Generally 2 years; political subdivision limits apply under W. Va. Code §§ 29-12A-6, 55-2-12. The West Virginia Governmental Tort Claims and Insurance Reform Act, ch. 29-12A, governs claims against political subdivisions and sets a two-year period in § 29-12A-6, alongside immunity provisions and damages caps. West Virginia does not impose a short unive…

How does West Virginia compare to other states for fraud?

West Virginia's 2 years is among the shortest in the country. Across the 46 jurisdictions with a verified figure, the deadline for fraud ranges from 2 years to 10 years, and 3 years is the most common. Compare all states →

What Does Fraud Cover?

Situations that typically fall under the fraud deadline in West Virginia:

01 Investment or securities fraud
02 Real estate misrepresentation
03 Contract fraud and false inducement
04 Concealment of material defects in a sale
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Other Filing Deadlines in West Virginia

Statutes of limitations have exceptions, and courts apply them to specific facts. This page states the general rule. A licensed West Virginia attorney can tell you the deadline that applies to your situation.
See every filing deadline in West Virginia, or compare fraud across all states.
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