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Can you recognize the signs of auto dealer fraud?

On Behalf of | Jan 23, 2020 | Uncategorized

Buying a new vehicle is a significant purchase. Depending on the type of vehicle you want and the extra features, you could have a serious price tag to consider. However, if you believe you have the financial ability to purchase the vehicle of your dreams, you may feel excited about taking such a step.

Of course, you likely want to get the best deal that you can on the vehicle, and you know that the car salesperson wants to make the most money possible. As a result, you need to have your wits about you when handling this type of transaction. Though you may be a bit wary of the dealer, you may not have expected a serious issue like auto dealer fraud to take place.

Fraudulent activities

Unfortunately, some auto dealers can commit various types of dealer fraud that could leave you and other unsuspecting buyers in a difficult position. Commonly, this type of fraud involves a dealer making a vehicle appear better or more reliable than it actually is. Some types of fraudulent actions that could occur include the following:

  • The dealer or a salesperson altered the mileage on the car to make it appear as if it had fewer miles.
  • The dealer puts out favorable-seeming advertising only to commit a bait-and-switch tactic in which he or she claims that the advertised vehicle is no longer available and attempts to get you to purchase another vehicle at a higher price.
  • The dealer does not disclose important information about the vehicle, like it sustaining serious damage in the past or flood damage.
  • The dealer or salesperson could also deceptively inflate the price of a vehicle.

Though these are common examples, other types of auto dealer fraud could also occur. Because you and others may not have the chance to recognize every instance of fraud, a dealership could end up taking advantage of you.

What can you do?

If you believe that you purchased a vehicle only to become the victim of auto dealer fraud, you may understandably want to know what you can do to rectify the situation. In such cases, you may have reason to take legal action against the dealer or salesperson. In order to fully understand your rights and options, you may want to speak with a Pennsylvania attorney experienced in this area of law.

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