Our firm investigates business entities that have committed some form of fraud or deceptive business practice, which has harmed a group of consumers in a similar manner. We have successfully resolved numerous consumer fraud claims, helping thousands of people recover their losses. For the last six decades, our firm has stood up to unscrupulous corporate organizations to help consumers in a wide range of consumer fraud matters.
Auto dealerships can defraud consumers in many ways. Auto fraud can occur even before you walk into a dealership. In many cases, salespeople and lending institutions work together systematically to squeeze as much money as possible out of unsuspecting customers.
If you or someone you know has been a victim of any type of auto fraud, you may be eligible to seek compensation for your losses. It is important to get the help of a qualified auto fraud attorney who can inform you of your legal rights and options. Please contact us today to speak to a skilled attorney FREE of charge.
Different types of auto fraud practices include, but are not limited to:
Modifying the Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) sticker
Auto dealers will add on uncompetitive prices on items such as stereos, hitches, detailing accents, “special” tires, warranties, paint sealant, undercoating, and more to increase profits. In some cases of auto fraud, the ‘added’ products are standard equipment that the dealer is charging consumers extra for. In addition, the sticker price generally does not reveal rebate information. Consumers are often unaware that rebates exist, thus paving way for dealers to collect the rebate as profit.
Acquiring and misusing consumers’ personal credit information
Fraudulent salespeople may unlawfully obtain consumer’s credit information to gain the upper hand when negotiating a deal. A consumer’s credit report may provide a dealer with information about previous auto loans, balances to credit cards, and other financial information that make it easier for a dealer to commit auto fraud.
Developing special relationships with financial institutions
In today’s market, special relationships between auto dealers and lenders contribute greatly to auto fraud practices. In many cases, auto dealers will send a lot of business to banks in exchange for a cut of the financing. For example, the bank will inflate the rate of the loan—typically between two to five percent, increasing the consumer’s loan by thousands of dollars—and give the difference to the dealership.
Manipulating consumers to purchase unnecessary products
In many auto fraud cases, greedy salespeople will manipulate a consumer into buying unnecessary or fraudulent warranties to earn extra profit. Most of the costly warranties dealerships sell are already covered under the standard factory warranty, but are hidden from a customer. In addition, in some cases, the warranties that are sold are written by unlicensed or under financed companies who are unable to cover claims in the event of an auto defect.
Selling a car without disclosing all damages
One of the most common auto fraud practices occurs when car dealers fail to disclose all information pertaining to an automobile including accident history, damages, defective parts, mileage, condition, etc.
Failing to reveal financial transactions between the dealership and bank
Once the customer leaves the auto dealership, the dealership and bank typically transfer financial transactions to secure the loan via email or fax to speed up the process of the sale. In doing this, dealers may withhold information to the consumer about possible loan increases or special bank specifications, potentially costing the consumer thousands of dollars.
Making false or misleading statements about offers, products, etc.
Auto fraud may also involve cases in which dealerships make false statements about certain products, prices, offers, and more. Please click here for more information about false/misleading advertising.
Have you been a victim of auto fraud?
If you or someone you know has been a victim of auto fraud, you may be eligible to file a consumer fraud lawsuit or a class action lawsuit to recover your losses. Please contact us today to speak to a qualified consumer fraud attorney who can evaluate your case to determine your legal options. An experienced attorney will protect your legal rights and maximize your interests to ensure you get the compensation you are entitled.
Consumer fraud class action lawsuits are specifically designed to help individuals who have been similarly aggrieved to pursue a common goal – namely to hold the deceptive business accountable for any damages suffered. Thus, consumers who have been defrauded by a corporation or other entity may file a consumer fraud class action lawsuit on behalf of themselves and others to seek compensation for their shared grievance.
If you feel you have been the victim of consumer fraud or any type of fraud, please contact us to learn about your legal rights and options. WE VALUE YOUR PRIVACY: any information you provide on this secure form will be held in the strictest confidence and will only be used by our attorneys to determine how we can help you.
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