Ways to Avoid Auto Fraud
How Can an Auto Dealer Cheat Me? . . . . Let me count the ways.
Auto fraud is rampant. The people at the dealership (salespeople, general manager, finance manager etc.) deal with all aspects of auto sales day in and day out. They do this for a living and receive training in how to get the most dollars from you, the consumer. You only deal with buying or leasing a car or truck every few years. You are thrown into an area of Given the poor state of the economy, dealers will go to even greater lengths to make a sale and you need to be aware. (For a list of some of the dealer ticks like selling cars with accident damage; “packing” options into your payments; failing to provide a Buyer’s Guide; failing to provide proper disclosuers; and improper use of “Negative Equity” (click here).
Here are just a few general tips when buying a motor vehcile:
1. Don’t fall in love with any particular vehicle. There is always another one somewhere. (Be willing to walk away.)
2. Get every promise in writing! If you are told something verbally ask for it in writing. If the dealer won’t put it in writing: (a) you will have a difficult (in not impossible) time trying to enforce it; and (b) think hard if this is the kind of person you want to deal with anyway.
3. Don’t sign papers which are blank or which have large blank spaces the dealership can fill in later.
4. If you sign any document, be sure you get a copy of it. (Check all the papers before you leave, sometimes the dealer will just “fold” a bunch of papers in an envelope and give them to you. Be sure you have a copy of every document you signed or they signed..
5. Don’t let the dealership “guilt” you into buying.
6. Don’t buy just because you and your family have been at the dealership all day. (They want you to buy when you’re worn down and just want to go home. Buying a car is a huge expense and one you will be paying on for years. Take the time to make a good decision. (Be willing to walk away.)
7. If you feel something is wrong or you are not being treated properly or if the dealership has gone back on something they told you. Don’t sign anything. Get up and walk out. (There are always other cars.)
8. Know your credit situation before you walk into the dealership. (Better yet, get a pre-approved loan.)
9. If the dealership tries to make you feel guilty or pressured about anything (taking too much time, not going through with the sale, wanting another opinion) you probably best to walk away. (Remember, there are other cars out there for sale.)
10. The automobile dealership is not a department store. There dealership is under no obligation (unless they have put it in writing) to allow you to return the car after you purchase it. (There is no Cooling Off period in the sale of new vehicles.)
If you feel you have been defrauded by an auto dealer call Law & Kolakowski, your experienced Auto Fraud Lawyers at 1-800-348-1152 or fill out our quick on-line form below.
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