Most state and federal laws penalize fraudulent marketing, sales, and financing schemes. Knowing your rights and if the state’s lemon laws apply is critical to getting compensated. We explain more about auto dealer frauds, the different types, and the best time to hire an attorney.
What is an Auto Dealer Fraud?
It’s an unlawful and deceptive practice used by auto dealers at any stage of the vehicle buying process from advertising, negotiation, to financing terms. Here are the different types of auto dealer frauds.
Presenting False Statements about the Price
After looking at different models and negotiating the price, you may find that the final cash price is higher than what you agreed on in the contract or the advertised price. The dealer may have inflated the price without disclosing it to the buyer. Sometimes the dealer presents certain upgrades required to compel the customer to pay for them. Sadly, many buyers only realize they have been victims of auto fraud after talking to a lawyer.
Bait and Switch Advertising
This type of fraud occurs when the dealer advertises a car at a price that’s no longer available. If you want to take advantage of the said price, financing deal, or other such bait, they may tell you the offer is no longer available and compel you to buy something different. The idea is to get you excited and emotional causing you to purchase a different car at an inflated price.
Selling Bad Vehicles
It is the most common type of auto fraud. Dealers sell a vehicle without disclosing a history of damage such as the salvage title due to frame and body destruction and other title blemishes. Sadly the dealer may use the as-is clause to avoid liability when the buyer launches a complaint after buying the vehicle. It would help if you enlisted the help of a lawyer to advise you on available options for launching the fraud claim.
False Odometer Readings
Californian law attorneys find this type of fraud popular in dealerships selling used cars. The dealer rolls back the odometer to ensure the car has a shorter mileage. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, dealer shops sell more than 450,000 vehicles with false odometer readings.
Credit Application Fraud
Common tactics car dealers employ during credit application include:
When Does the State’s Lemon Law Apply?
In the case of auto frauds, the state’s lemon laws apply if the car has been in a repair shop multiple times due to the same problem. Generally, the law requires:
Don’t Wait – Talk to an Attorney Today
If you’ve fallen prey to any of the fraud dealership practices mentioned above, it would help if you hired an experienced lawyer in California.
Attorneys at RS Law Offices are well-versed in this field and will strive to help you get compensated.
blogs
Four Surprising Myths about Motorcycle Accidents and Injuries
Motorcycles have become a pretty popular way to get around in the country. In California alone, there are over 790,000 registered motorcycles. This number is set to increase as more people choose the convenience and the fun that comes with getting around on a motorcycle. But despite these increasing numbers, there are countless myths and […]
Bicycle Accidents
Bicycles may be a reliably safe mode of transportation but, as in so many accidents out in the world, the problem is not often with the mode of transportation you’re in, but how the person who hits you is traveling. Every year, more than 50,000 bicyclists are injured in collisions with automobiles. Too few of […]
Top Three Scenic Motorcycle Routes in California
California is among the most beautiful destinations in the country. The raw beauty of our state is part of the reasons why myriads of people move here every day. From miles of pristine beaches, breathtaking lakes, picturesque deserts, to rugged but awe-inspiring terrains like Yosemite, the geographic diversity of the Golden State is simply mesmerizing. […]
Personal Injury – Why You Should Never Wait
We’ve all been told to “walk it off” before. Whether it’s for a pain, injury or just not feeling well, a lot of people will be there to tell you it’s probably nothing. And while it is important to keep a positive mindset, you should also pay attention to your body and not push yourself […]
Hellcats and Risky Driving
As Americans, and especially Californians, a lot of us love fast cars. But what happens when the speeds of our cars surpass the safety training of the average driver? Let’s take a look at understanding what the Hellcat trend includes, how it could impact you as a driver on the road, and why it can […]
5 Ways Parents can Encourage Safe Teen Driving
For teenagers, getting a driver’s license is a significant milestone. It marks the beginning of independence and instills a sense of responsibility. Most teen parents often share their children’s excitement but remain equally apprehensive since they’re well-aware of the dangers that come with driving. And they do have a perfectly valid reason to fret because […]
Tips for Avoiding Slip & Fall Accidents
Slipping and falling is hilarious in the movies and on TV, but when you enter the real world, slipsand falls are some of the most dangerous causes of personal injuries one can experience outside of a vehicle accident. Slip and fall accidents can happen anywhere and for many reasons – a simple spill, a loose […]
Stay Safe in Hybrid and Electric Vehicles
In the history of cars, hybrids and plug-in electric vehicles are still essentially brand-new. With new technology comes a new way to look at transportation. This includes an eye toward safety – anything new in automobiles is going to require a new understanding of how they work, what the dangers are, and how to maintain […]
Mold and LA Renters — Know Your Rights
You may have heard of “mold growth” in passing. Depending on the situation, the story you heard may have been about a simple annoyance, a house deal that fell through, or a sneezing fit. However, there are a lot worse stories than that out there; mold can cause severe allergies, incapacitation, and even worse health […]
Courtroom Movies for the Holidays
As winter sets in, the holiday season has truly begun. Many of us are looking forward to seeing our loved ones, some of us for the first time in a long time. Besides feasts and fireside chats, a lot of families have a tradition of gathering together and watching a holiday classic. Through the years, […]
contact form
